Study Finds Semaglutide Linked to 15% Lower Fracture Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Researchers examining medical records of more than 59,000 adults with type 2 diabetes reported that semaglutide users experienced 15% fewer bone fractures than patients taking other weight-loss medications. The analysis covered 26,324 people prescribed semaglutide, among whom 794 fractures occurred, compared with 1,045 fractures among 33,555 patients using competing treatments.

The findings were presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting held in Chicago from June 13-16. The research was led by a former endocrinology fellow at Stanford University Medical Center. Researchers noted that the result was unexpected because rapid weight loss has often been associated with increased fracture risk.

"Bone fractures are painful, expensive and can seriously affect quality of life—especially as people get older," the lead researcher said. " The study examined records from patients already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and did not include a control group without the condition.