A study of 150,000 patients suggests an approximately 50% increased risk of tendon rupture among individuals taking a widely prescribed medication.
“Patients will think twice before taking a medication of this type.” A U.S. Study presented in March 2026 at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) conference is drawing attention to potential side effects of a popular drug in both the United States and France.
According to data from the ANSM, approximately 870,000 patients in France use the medication daily. The treatment has gained so much traction that numerous studies are being conducted worldwide to investigate its long-term effects. A retrospective analysis conducted by Jad Lawand, a medical student at the University of Texas, and his team examined the medical records of nearly 150,000 patients over a five-year period. The goal was to observe the occurrence of tendon ruptures during that time, and their research revealed a correlation.
The results indicated that individuals exposed to the treatment had roughly a 50% higher risk of tendon ruptures compared to those who were not. “Your overall risk is less than 1% for most of these tears but We see 1.5 times higher than in patients who do not accept these medications,” the study’s author stated. The team recorded a 2.4% rate of rotator cuff tears among obese patients taking the medication, compared to 1.5% in those not taking it (a 1.55-fold increase), as well as a 0.3% versus 0.2% rate for Achilles tendon ruptures, and a 0.8% versus 0.5% rate for pectoralis major ruptures. Among patients with both type 2 diabetes and obesity, use of the medication was associated with higher rates of rotator cuff, peronial tendon, pectoralis major, Achilles tendon, and quadriceps tendon ruptures.
Researchers focused on obese and/or diabetic patients because these are the primary target groups for the medication in question – GLP-1 receptor agonists. These include medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Victoza®, and Trulicity®, which are widely prescribed for diabetes and, more recently, for weight loss. These treatments mimic a natural hormone, GLP-1, which impacts the body by reducing appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and improving blood sugar regulation. While effective for weight loss, the findings suggest a potential impact on tendon health.
According to Jad Lawand, in Medscape, “these findings warrant prospective evaluation of potential musculoskeletal adverse effects of GLP-1 agonists.” Scientists hypothesize that rapid weight loss associated with the medication may lead individuals to increase their physical activity. However, “if they do not follow a supervised exercise program, this can lead to ruptures,” the expert explained.
The findings highlight the importance of considering potential musculoskeletal risks alongside the benefits of these medications. “GLP-1s are very widespread, and we don’t know much about them, so it’s vital that people are informed of the potential side effects,” said Dr. Alexander Sah, of the Institute for Joint Restoration in Fremont, California. He recommends that patients taking other medications that may weaken tendons should be aware of the potential side effects of GLP-1s and avoid combining them. Caution is as well advised for individuals with a family history of tendon injuries or tears.
