Recent concerns have emerged about the potential for muscle loss associated with weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. While these drugs have gained recognition for their effectiveness in helping with weight loss, experts are urging for more research on their impact on muscle health.
In a commentary published in The Lancet, a group of international researchers highlighted the lack of comprehensive studies examining how GLP-1 receptor agonists—the class of drugs to which Ozempic and Wegovy belong—affect muscle mass. Though these medications, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, have shown substantial benefits in reducing weight, improving heart health, and lowering the risk of stroke and cardiac events, the potential for unintended side effects, such as muscle loss, remains a growing concern.
The team of scientists acknowledges that while GLP-1 agonists can facilitate weight loss and provide additional health benefits, preliminary research indicates that they may cause a greater loss of non-fat tissue compared to weight loss through other methods, such as diet and exercise. However, the experts caution that this loss of “fat-free tissue” may not necessarily equate to muscle loss, and that muscle mass reduction is not always detrimental to strength or mobility.
Despite these assurances, the researchers emphasize the need for further investigation. As of now, there are no conclusive data linking GLP-1 agonist use to physical frailty or a significant loss of muscle mass. The team notes that the existing studies, while promising in some respects, were not designed to answer these specific questions.
The researchers, including dietitian Carla Prado and biomedical experts Stuart Phillips and Steven Heymsfield, stress that muscle mass is crucial for more than just physical movement. Muscles play key roles in metabolism, immune function, and the body’s ability to respond to stress and trauma. Additionally, muscle tissue aids in glucose uptake in response to insulin, further complicating the potential consequences of its loss.
Experts worry that the impact of muscle loss, when combined with other risk factors like metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, poor dietary intake, and lack of physical activity, could further elevate health risks for patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists. To mitigate these concerns, the team advocates for a balanced approach, recommending that these medications be used strategically in conjunction with proper nutrition and exercise plans.
Research has shown that increasing protein intake and engaging in resistance exercise can help offset muscle loss during weight loss. Some studies suggest that exercise programs can reduce the loss of fat-free mass by as much as 95%. Furthermore, a recent trial indicated that individuals who combined supervised exercise with weight loss medications were better able to maintain their weight loss in the long term.
The researchers suggest that future studies may provide solutions to prevent or mitigate muscle loss during treatment, offering hope for patients undergoing weight loss programs. While they do not recommend discontinuing the use of GLP-1 agonists, they stress the importance of gaining a better understanding of their effects on muscle health.
As the use of these medications continues to rise, experts urge the medical community to prioritize research into their long-term effects, particularly on muscle mass, to ensure that patients receive the full benefits without risking their overall health.
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