Should Seniors Consider Ozempic or Wegovy for Weight Loss?

For those 65+, muscle loss can increase the risk of fractures or falls, responsible for most injury-related deaths in older adults. Maintaining muscle mass is vital for seniors to keep up with their body strength and mobility. Should seniors consider ozempic or wegovy for weight loss?

VeryWell Health’s recent article,  “Should You Take Ozempic When You’re Over 65?” explains that muscle mass naturally declines with age. This process, called sarcopenia, begins as people hit their 30s, and some people can lose as much as half of their muscle mass by the time they reach their 70s.

However, when older adults shed a lot of weight in a short time after taking a popular injectable drug like Ozempic or Wegovy, they may experience reduced strength and bone density that are associated with muscle mass loss, according to Elena Zamora, MD, a family medicine physician at UTHealth Houston.

“Patients who develop sarcopenia also have a reduction in their stamina and ability to perform daily activities. Imagine your loved one losing weight but unable to have the energy to bathe themselves, walk upstairs, or cook,” Zamora told Verywell.

Seniors taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy isn’t the only factor contributing to muscle loss. Losing weight—whether through medication or diet and exercise—can lead to the same result, according to Vijaya Surampudi MD, an associate professor of medicine in the clinical nutrition division with UCLA Health.

“It’s not unique to the drug or the class of drug. When people lose weight, it’s known that you don’t just lose fat, but you can also lose muscle,” Surampudi told Verywell.

Eating protein is one of the best ways that older adults can try to preserve muscle mass, but about half (46%) of older adults don’t consume enough protein foods. That’s especially concerning if someone over 65 also wants to take Ozempic or a similar medication, which can further contribute to shrinking muscle.

Strength or resistance training is also essential for helping older adults reduce the risk of falls, especially while taking weight loss drugs.

If you’re 65 or older and want to take a drug like Ozempic or Wegovy, you should temper your expectations with the amount of weight loss you can achieve quickly. Aim for a slow weight loss.

These medications are safe for older adults, provided an experienced healthcare provider prescribes them.

Reference: VeryWell Health (July 27, 2023) “Should You Take Ozempic When You’re Over 65?”