GLP-1 Weight Loss Side Effects: How They Can Weaken Your Back
By Peter Bennett | Beat Back Pain
Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are making headlines for their dramatic weight loss results. Originally designed for diabetes, these GLP-1 drugs are now being used by millions of people looking to lose weight quickly and effectively.
But while the number on the scale may be dropping, some people are experiencing something unexpected:
Back pain. Weakness. Poor posture. A loss of strength.
If that’s you—or if you're thinking about starting one of these drugs—this post is for you.
We’ll explore the GLP-1 weight loss side effects you may not have been warned about, and how to protect your spine, strength, and mobility during and after your weight loss journey.
What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro mimic this hormone, helping you:
Feel fuller for longer
Eat less without feeling deprived
Lose significant weight over a few months
That all sounds like good news—and for many people, it is.
But what you lose matters just as much as how much you lose.
GLP-1 Weight Loss Side Effects You Should Know
One of the lesser-discussed side effects of these drugs is loss of muscle mass and bone density.
Here’s what that means in real terms:
You may lose core strength, making your spine more vulnerable
You may notice new or worsening back pain after the weight comes off
Your posture may change, affecting balance and spinal alignment
Your bones—especially in your spine and hips—may become more fragile
These changes aren’t caused by the drug directly, but by the speed and type of weight loss it creates. When you lose weight too fast without supporting your muscles and bones, your back can pay the price.
Why This Matters for Back Pain
Your spine is supported by a network of muscles, joints, and connective tissue. When you lose a lot of body weight—especially muscle—the stabilising support system weakens.
That’s when you may notice:
Low back pain from reduced core support
Neck and shoulder tension from posture changes
A sense of instability when bending, lifting, or twisting
Slower recovery from minor strains or flare-ups
And if you're older, inactive, or already managing spinal issues? These side effects can accelerate wear and tear or lead to avoidable injury.
The Good News: You Can Take Control
The answer isn’t to avoid GLP-1 drugs altogether. For many, they offer a real breakthrough.
But they must be paired with a plan.
Think of these medications as temporary tools, giving you breathing room to make meaningful changes to your health.
Here’s what you can do right now to protect your spine and keep your strength:
✅ Eat Enough Protein
Aim for 80–120g of protein a day to preserve your muscle mass. Add a source of protein to every meal and snack.
✅ Strengthen Your Core
Two sessions of resistance training per week can maintain—or even increase—your strength. Bodyweight exercises like bridges, bird dogs, and planks work wonders.
✅ Walk Every Day
Walking helps stimulate bone density and keeps your joints mobile. It’s one of the most overlooked forms of spinal therapy.
✅ Build New Habits While You Can
Use your reduced appetite to shift towards a healthier diet. Break free from processed foods, late-night snacking, and overeating.
🎁 Free Download: The GLP-1 Reset Checklist
To make this easier, we’ve put together a free, printable one-page checklist to help you stay strong, pain-free, and mobile while using GLP-1 medications.
👉 Download the GLP-1 Reset Checklist (PDF, no sign-up required)
This simple guide includes:
Daily protein and hydration goals
Exercise tips for back-friendly movement
A weekly tracker to keep you on course
Mindset prompts to turn short-term success into long-term change
Final Thoughts
Weight loss can be a gift to your spine. Less weight often means less pressure on your discs, less inflammation, and more freedom to move.
But if you lose muscle and bone along with fat, you could trade one problem for another.
GLP-1 weight loss side effects are real—but they’re also preventable.
You just need the right plan and the right focus.
Take charge of your back health. Download the checklist. And make your weight loss journey one that builds you up, rather than breaks you down.
—
Peter Bennett
Chiropractor & Founder of Beat Back Pain
