GLP-1 weight loss drugs may be stripping away muscle and bone — especially in older adults — and the cost is making it harder to keep taking them.

Some studies show that people on GLP-1 drugs lose a significant amount of muscle — around 28% of total weight lost — which is a lot, but not quite half. Other research finds muscle loss as low as 13%, so the amount varies widely between people and studies. The study linked in the post confirms that muscle loss during GLP-1 use can range from 15% to nearly 40%, which supports the idea that it’s unpredictable. Other research also suggests these drugs may cause more muscle loss than dieting alone, though not all studies agree. And yes, older adults are being prescribed these drugs more often, and they’re expensive enough to noticeably raise Medicare drug spending. The concern about muscle and bone loss in aging populations isn’t just theoretical — it’s backed by solid evidence that aging itself already accelerates this decline.