How Physical Therapy Supports Bone Health During Weight Loss
By Dr. Sean Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, CNPT In recent years, GLP-1 inhibitors like liraglutide and semaglutide have gained popularity for their role in weight loss and metabolic health. While these medications can be highly effective in helping patients shed excess weight, they also come with a lesser-known consequence—a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD). As a physical therapist, I see firsthand how weight loss, muscle mass, and bone health are interconnected and why exercise plays a crucial role in preventing bone loss for those on weight-loss medications.
Why Does Weight Loss Affect Bone Health?
When individuals lose weight—whether through diet, medication, or bariatric surgery—they often lose not just fat but also muscle and bone mass. This occurs because bones respond to the mechanical forces placed on them. When body weight decreases, the bones receive less mechanical stress, which can lead to a reduction in bone density over time. Studies have shown that patients using GLP-1 inhibitors experience even greater reductions in BMD, making them more vulnerable to fractures and osteoporosis later in life.How Physical Therapy Helps Maintain Bone Density
As physical therapists, we play a critical role in helping patients preserve muscle mass and bone health during weight loss. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to stimulate bone formation and prevent density loss—but not just any exercise. Research shows that weight-bearing, resistance-based, and impact exercises are particularly beneficial.The Best Exercises to Protect Your Bones
To counteract the potential bone loss from weight reduction, physical therapy focuses on exercises that provide the right amount of force and stimulation to the bones and muscles. These include:- Resistance Training – Lifting weights or using resistance bands helps stimulate bone growth and maintain muscle mass.
- Weight-Bearing Activities – Walking, hiking, and stair climbing place healthy stress on the bones, promoting bone formation and strength.
- High-Impact Exercises (As Tolerated) – Jumping, plyometrics, or light-impact exercises (for those who can tolerate them) enhance bone remodeling.
- Balance & Stability Training – Improving balance, coordination, and strength helps reduce fall risk, which is especially important for those at risk of fractures.