While out on a walk with a friend last week, Vicky Countess got a comment that stuck with her: "Everyone I know is on a GLP-1." Her friend was exaggerating, Countess says, but not by much.
GLP-1 medications — including Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and others — have become part of everyday conversation, and for good reason: they work. But according to Countess, a bone health coach and founder of Vicky Countess Coaching, there's a downside to these drugs that almost nobody is talking about.
"Because they suppress appetite so effectively, many people on a GLP-1 aren't getting enough protein and key nutrients to support their bones while they're losing weight," Countess said. "When weight comes off quickly without enough protein behind it, some of what's lost isn't fat — it's muscle and bone. That's not what you want."
Countess is quick to note that her message isn't a warning against the medications themselves. "The takeaway isn't to avoid these medications," she said. "It's to make sure your nutrition, especially protein, keeps pace with your weight loss."
GLP-1s aren't the only medications that can quietly affect bone health, Countess says. Others worth knowing about include:
- Long-term steroids (like prednisone)
- Acid-reducing medications (PPIs) for heartburn and reflux
- SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), a common class of antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medications
- Certain breast cancer treatments and hormone blockers
It isn't only medications, either. Countess points to five health conditions that can affect bone health behind the scenes:
- Celiac disease
- Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Hyperthyroidism (or over-treated hypothyroidism)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hyperparathyroidism
"To be clear, this isn't a reason to stop anything your doctor prescribed," Countess said. "It's a reason to know your risk before your next DEXA bone scan surprises you."
Countess says the part most people miss is that there are specific questions patients can ask their doctor, and specific steps they can take, to help offset the risk — even if they're on one of the medications or managing one of the conditions listed above. She has put together the three questions she'd ask if she were in her clients' shoes.
Those interested can email Vicky at vicky@vickycountesscoaching.
As part of her practice, Countess also offers clients a dedicated Fullscript link for evidence-based supplement recommendations: https://us.fullscript.com/
About Vicky Countess Coaching
Vicky Countess Coaching helps women understand and take action on their bone health, with a focus on fracture prevention, fall risk reduction, and the gap between a diagnosis and a plan.
Vicky Countess Coaching (VCC) is the health arm of The Countess Group (TCG) and provides personalized health coaching focused on helping women improve bone health through nutrition, strength, and sustainable lifestyle habits.
Vicky Countess is certified as a Life Coach and as an Integrative Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN).
Over the years, she has attended multiple osteoporosis summits, completed advanced coursework, studied extensively through books and trainings, and consulted with nationally recognized osteoporosis specialists.
Vicky Countess Coaching empowers clients to move beyond fear and uncertainty toward confidence and control through a proactive, informed approach to bone health.
Learn more at www.VickyCountessCoaching.com
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About The Countess Group
The Countess Group (TCG) is a marketing and coaching company which has been providing measurable results for clients for over 20 years. The company is led by Ken Countess, an award-winning marketer and an accredited, nationally recognized expert.
All product names and other brand names mentioned herein are service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Media Contact:
Ken Countess
407-242-4200
