It is estimated that 2.9% of UK adults are using Glucagon-like peptide-1 (“GLP-1”) therapies for weight loss. [1] These medications have increased in popularity and chances are, someone you know is taking them, or is interested in starting a course of them. 

The benefits of GLP-1 medications

As body weight is reduced with GLP-1 therapies, the mechanical demands placed on the body can change significantly. In the lower body, it can reduce load on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees and ankles. In many cases, this will help to reduce pain associated with conditions of these joints. A reduction in body weight may also mean that there is an increased ability to participate in physical activity, potentially improving comfort, mobility and mental health. 

How may rapid weight loss impact your musculoskeletal health?

GLP-1 related weight loss can have a range of health benefits for the body, but they can also introduce biomechanical risks that could affect your daily life and tasks. If lean muscle mass is not maintained through the use of exercise and nutrition, then there is the risk that the body develops changes in stability and balance, therefore affecting how you walk and move. There is an increased chance of lean muscle loss and changes in body composition, which may alter posture, change load distribution and walking patterns.

Gait mechanics are responsible for the way we walk and can change with body weight and strength. A reduction in weight means stride lengths may change and ground reaction forces may adjust. This impacts simple daily activities, such as climbing stairs and walking on uneven ground. Posture is also affected, as rapid weight loss can alter the body’s centre of mass, resulting in the development of postural adaption. If postural changes are not maintained and supported, this can influence biomechanical efficiency, whilst also affecting an individual’s confidence in movement and functional ability.

What happens when you stop taking GLP-1 medications?

It is estimated that around half of people who take GLP-1 medications discontinue their use within the first 12 months.[2] Weight regain is common and can be rapid with individuals returning to their pre-treatment weight within an average time period of 1.7 years. [3] As this occurs, the increase in body weight can also increase joint load, increasing stress on the knees and hips. This change in load can also influence walking patterns, with movement potentially reverting back to how it previously was. There may also be balance implications on the body, as it readjusts to changes in weight distribution and stability. These facts may increase or worsen pain, particularly in the knees and hips, highlighting the importance of ongoing musculoskeletal support and monitoring when using GLP-1 therapies. 

How can chiropractic care help?

Firstly, it is important to tell your chiropractor if you are taking any GLP-1 therapies as this will impact your treatment plan and goals and helps your chiropractor to assess which techniques and modalities are appropriate for you. 

Chiropractors can also monitor you through taking these therapies and can support you throughout the course, by using a combination of treatments and modalities to assist with monitoring potential muscle loss and biomechanical changes on the body. These include, but are not limited to:

• chiropractic treatment;
• soft tissue therapy; 
• nutritional advice; and
• exercise therapies and rehabilitation programmes.

If you’re using GLP-1 medications, then it is beneficial to work collaboratively with your healthcare providers, including your chiropractor to ensure a more holistic approach to your health and long-term wellbeing. 

[1] Jackson, Sarah E et al. “Prevalence of use and interest in using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for weight loss: a population study in Great Britain.” BMC medicine vol. 24,1 1. 8 Jan. 2026, doi:10.1186/s12916-025-04528-7

[2] BMJ 2026;392:e085304 (https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2025-085304) 

[3] BMJ 2026;392:e085304 (https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2025-085304)

Mukesh Madhar, chiropractor has full registration with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and is a member of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and a Licentiate of the Royal College of Chiropractors (LRCC).

Book your consultation with Kesh today by calling 01785 614040 or click to learn more about how to schedule your consultation.