Revista Ibero-Americana de Humanidades, Ciências E Educação · Nov 9, 2026
Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on musculoskeletal and functional outcomes in older adults: an integrative literature review
By Martins FBDS, Reis FEV, Lopes LG
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) on musculoskeletal and functional outcomes in older adults. METHODS: An integrative review comparing older users and nonusers, with searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and LILACS for human studies involving an older population published from 2021 to 2026, following PRISMA 2020. RESULTS: Of the 442 records, 15 comprised the sample. Studies with direct measurements documented reductions in appendicular muscle mass index, handgrip strength and gait speed among those exposed to semaglutide, although part of the lean mass loss measured by bioimpedance corresponds to body water. Bone loss accompanied weight reduction: no effect on a formation marker, but an increase in the resorption marker and a decrease in bone mineral density. Regarding fracture risk, the largest cohort (133.606 adults) retained a protective effect after age 75, but the effect was reversed among participants without diabetes; in this population, risk increased with age, reaching an odds ratio of 4.99 (95% CI 2.68–9.26) at 78–88 years. CONCLUSIONS: Prescribing to older adults requires assessing body composition and physical performance, with heightened attention to those without diabetes.