Bone Health Awareness Surge Driven by GLP-1s and New Technologies
A 37-year-old woman's DEXA scan reveals osteopenia and osteoporosis in her vertebrae, prompting a personal exploration of bone health. Endocrinologist Caroline Messer attributes rising awareness to GLP-1 weight loss drugs, which increase bone loss risk. She advocates for earlier screening than the standard age 65. New developments include the FDA-cleared Osteoboost wearable device, which delivers vibration to hips and spine to mimic exercise's bone-strengthening effects. CEO Laura Yecies notes that more women die from hip fractures than breast cancer and cites 'double discrimination' against the condition. Steven R. Goldstein, MD, emphasizes that 21% of older women die within a year of a hip fracture. David Karpf, MD, of Stanford, recommends baseline DEXA scans before menopause and calculates the author's 10-year hip fracture risk at 0.8%. The author adopts a weight-bearing Pilates routine at Good Day Pilates, founded by physical therapist Clara Gilmour, and considers purchasing an Osteoboost belt.
Key facts
- Author's DEXA scan shows osteopenia in all but two vertebrae, which are osteoporotic.
- Steroid use for a stomach condition prompted the scan.
- Caroline Messer, MD, links bone health awareness to GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
- Standard screening recommendation is for women 65 and older, which Messer calls 'terrible'.
- FDA cleared Osteoboost in 2024, a wearable belt delivering vibration to hips and lower spine.
- Laura Yecies is CEO of Osteoboost; she says more women die of hip fractures than breast cancer.
- Steven R. Goldstein, MD, reports 21% of older women die within a year of hip fracture.
- David Karpf, MD, of Stanford, recommends baseline DEXA scans before menopause.
- Author's 10-year hip fracture risk is 0.8% according to Karpf's calculation.
- Good Day Pilates in Brooklyn, founded by Clara Gilmour, offers bone-strengthening classes.
- Author takes calcium supplement and plans to buy Osteoboost belt.
Entities
Institutions
- Good Day Pilates
- Stanford University
- NYU
- FDA
Locations
- Brooklyn
- New York
- Stanford