New research shows that GLP-1-based medicines, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, do not cause greater muscle mass loss than standard weight loss through eating less. These medicines are increasingly being used to treat obesity and can help people lose a significant amount of weight.
When losing weight, you lose not only fat, but also a portion of the so-called fat-free mass. This includes muscles, as well as organs, bones and water. It is important that muscle loss is kept to a minimum, because muscles are essential for strength and mobility. The new study therefore investigated how these medicines affect muscles and muscle strength.
Results from animal and small-scale human studies show that the loss of muscle mass when using GLP-1 medications is comparable to the muscle loss caused by standard calorie restriction. Muscle strength also remained virtually intact, indicating that these drugs have no adverse effect on muscle function.
The researchers did, however, note that the loss of fat-free mass is partly explained by a reduction in liver weight, which also contributes to the total weight. In addition, the molecular structure of muscle tissue was altered by the medication, but the consequences of this are not yet clear.
For people who want to age healthily, it is good news that these medicines can help with weight loss without additional muscle wasting. Maintaining muscle strength remains essential for an active and independent lifestyle.
Source: Arkadi Mazin
