Researchers coincide: Here’s why some Ozempic users experience muscle loss when using GLP-1 meds

GLP-1 weight-loss medications are being taken by millions of people these days and showing promising benefits. But some have noted varying side effects from using them. These include muted taste, loss of libido, and muscle loss.

All of these were noted during the trial phases of the various GLP-1 meds on the market today but not everyone experiences them and more research is needed. However, muscle loss is the one that has been getting the most attention and has experts recommending that users of drugs like Ozempic do weight training.

On a Reddit thread for the medication, one user under the name ‘Fearless_Pop_434’ says that this side effect is “more nuanced than most people think.” The person, who has “worked in pharmaceutical and biotech research for nearly 30 years oncology, endocrinology, metabolic health,” explains what the actual data shows.

Muscle loss from GLP-1 meds is more nuanced than people think

The Reddit user, who themselves has been using GLP-1 meds for 18 months, shared that during Step 1 trails of semaglutide, the active drug in Ozempic and Wegovy, patients on average lost nearly 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. Of that weight loss, roughly 39% came from “lean mass,” which is more or less muscle.

However, this was not primarily from skeletal muscle, noting that most patients maintained their strength. But instead the lean mass losses came from areas like “liver mass, water, and other tissues.”

Fearless_Pop_434 pointed out that there are two main issues affecting GLP-1 patients, protein intake collapses and a decrease in resistance training. The former is due to a drop in appetite, so patients aren’t consuming enough protein to maintain muscle, not the drug itself destroying muscle.

The other, again isn’t directly due to the meds. Instead, those being treated with GLP-1 meds experience an energy crash in the first weeks, so they aren’t as active. Without providing their body enough resistance with physical activity the muscles adapt and shrink.

One other thing the Reddit user mentions is that especially women are raising concerns about “Ozempic face,” where their facial volume changes, as well as hair shedding and skin elasticity. They say these issues “are real and well-documented.”

“They tend to come from rapid weight loss combined with low protein and possible micronutrient gaps (low ferritin, low vitamin D),” Fearless_Pop_434 explains.

The Reddit user recommends getting enough protein in your daily diet, 1.2-1.6g per kilogram per day spread across three to four meals. Also to do resistance training two to three times per week. And in order to counter fatigue and hair shedding, make sure that you are getting enough ferritin and vitamin D.

If you are experiencing any issues with your GLP-1 weight-loss treatment it is always advised that you speak to your medical professional. One, they can help you to correct or reduce any side effects. Two, it will also help them to document those issues which will help further the medical knowledge about these medications.

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