Tymlos causing belly fat?

Posted by kaa1 @kaa1, Jun 3, 2024

I’m on Tymlos for about 2 1/2 months now. I’m not usually concerned about my weight. I stay pretty stable. I’ve noticed that my belly seems to be getting fatter. Has anyone experienced this belly fat situation from Tymlos? Is there anything I can do about it? Why is it happening? Thanks for any input.

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beachesanddreams | @beachesanddreams | Jan 6 12:26pm

In reply to @gravity3 "@beachesanddreams Are you talking about the possible increase in belly fat?" + (show)

@gravity3 Yes, I am referring to the abdominal bloat that many on Tymlos have experienced as a side effect.

I wonder if starting low on the dosing pen and gradually increasing the dose might help ameliorate this, as well as other side effects.

Past posts on Tymlos have been positive in greatly reducing side effects by titrating up. Patients seem to stay on it longer, and have excellent gains.

My self-esteem and mental health took a blow last year with two other medications I tried for inflammation. I feel like I lost a year just dealing with those. I am extremely invested in increasing my bone density (I am -3.0 in lumbar spine, osteopenia everywhere else), but this year, I want and need to have some control over my quality of life.

My current rheumatologist is adamant that I take the 80 mg to start only, and I completely understand her reasoning, but I also trust myself and my own instincts, if that makes any sense.

After all, we are the only ones living in our own bodies.

surah05 | @surah05 | Jan 23 8:24am

I gained between 10 and 15 pounds on Tymlos, pretty much ALL in my belly. I have NEVER had a belly before. I have always been a thin, bordering skinny, woman, generally underweight or on the borderline. I was told that Tymlos weight will NEVER GO AWAY even when off the drug, and tragically I am finding that to be 100% True! Worst of all, the other side effects were worse for me, so I couldn't go the whole course. I have since been trying to figure out how to lose this belly fat with absolutely no success. First time ever I couldn't lose weight.

oopsiedaisy | @oopsiedaisy | Jan 23 8:44am

In reply to @normahorn "Has anyone seen a good explanation for why Tymlos can cause belly fat? There must be..." + (show)

@normahorn I did some research using AI on this and found this possible explanation:

“Hormonal Signaling Crosstalk (Wnt & IGF-1)
Anabolic drugs work by activating growth pathways like Wnt signaling and IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) to build bone.

Mechanism: These same pathways are active in adipose (fat) tissue. While the drugs are designed to target bone, "off-target" signaling can occasionally promote the maturation of fat cells (adipocytes) in specific areas, such as the abdomen.

Result: This can lead to localized fat storage even if your overall metabolic rate and glucose levels remain stable.”

beachesanddreams | @beachesanddreams | Jan 26 2:37pm

In reply to @oopsiedaisy "@normahorn I did some research using AI on this and found this possible explanation: “Hormonal Signaling..." + (show)

@oopsiedaisy Thank you for this explanation, as awful as it is. My understanding is that not everyone has the side effect of abdominal weight gain/bloat.

I wish there were a way to know beforehand how a particular drug may affect other aspects of our body and overall day-to-day health.

beachesanddreams | @beachesanddreams | Jan 26 2:39pm

In reply to @surah05 "I gained between 10 and 15 pounds on Tymlos, pretty much ALL in my belly. I..." + (show)

@surah05 I am so sorry. Has your doctor offered any solution? Has the company that manufactures Tymlos?

How long did you take it before you stopped?

ydnas21 | @ydnas21 | Jan 30 2:04pm

In reply to @lynn59 "I am definitely noticing more belly fat since starting Forteo. My clothes are too tight. At..." + (show)

@lynn59

I have gained weight on Forteo. I live a healthy lifestyle and I have gained weight, TSH is not balanced and my Cholesterol numbers have gotten worse, Very Frustrated!!!!

ydnas21 | @ydnas21 | Jan 30 2:11pm

In reply to @oopsiedaisy "@normahorn I did some research using AI on this and found this possible explanation: “Hormonal Signaling..." + (show)

@oopsiedaisy

Well, that is bad news. I would have never agreed to go on Forteo if I knew I would end up unhealthy with additional fat tissue. I have gained 8 lbs. and it will not budge despite eating, as always, healthy and exercising. My thyroid numbers are off and my cholesterol numbers have changed.

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jan 30 2:37pm

In reply to @ydnas21 "@oopsiedaisy Well, that is bad news. I would have never agreed to go on Forteo if..." + (show)

@ydnas21

Why does 8 lb. make you unhealthy ?

macarr | @macarr | 9 hours ago

I have definitely noticed an increase in belly fat, particularly in my lower belly. This is totally new after I started the Tymlos injections two months ago. Very quick production of fat without an increase in caloric intake. So, I can assume it is from this medication. I hope the med works and makes it worth it.