AAOS

AAOS 2026: GLP-1 drugs tied to higher long-term risk of bone and joint disorders

March 10, 2026

A large EMR‑based cohort study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting found that adults with T2DM and obesity taking GLP‑1 RAs had higher five‑year rates of osteoporosis (4.1% vs. 3.2%), gout (7.4% vs. 6.6%), and osteomalacia (0.2% vs. 0.1%) compared with matched nonusers. Relative risks ranged from 1.12 for gout to 2.55 for osteomalacia, all statistically significant.

Clinical takeaway: Consider bone health monitoring—including assessment of osteoporosis risk and vigilance for metabolic bone disease—in patients receiving long‑term GLP‑1 RA therapy.

Sources:

(2026, March 2). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Studies explore: GLP-1 receptor agonist use and its impact on long-term musculoskeletal health [News release]. https://aaos-annualmeeting-presskit.org/2026/research-news/studies-explore-glp-1-receptor-agonist-use-and-its-impact-on-long-term-musculoskeletal-health/

Wajahath M, et al. “GLP‑1 receptor agonist use is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis, gout, and osteomalacia in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity.” Abstract presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting, March 2–6, New Orleans. Available at: https://submissions.mirasmart.com/Verify/AAOS2026/Submission/out/AAOS2026-008736.PDF