Medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Ozempic are sweeping the world as a means of losing weight and managing diabetes. A GLP-1 receptor agonist targets receptors in the brain, pancreas and gut and mimic the GLP-1 hormone, helping to lower blood sugar levels and reduce appetite.
This slows down the gut’s activity and reduces hunger signals. Users of the medication report that they “just stopped thinking about food”, and if they did eat, they felt full almost immediately.
Whilst there is no question that these drugs are successful and weight loss occurs it comes at a cost and that cost is the loss of lean muscle mass. This is a disaster as lean muscle not only underpins strength and functionality but also metabolism, immune function and long-term resilience.
Emerging research suggests that in some cases up to 60% of weight lost on GLP-1 medications may actually be lean muscle rather than fat – a startling figure given the implications.
The phenomenon of muscle loss, or sarcopenia, is traditionally associated with aging 1-2 % after the age of 30 and faster after 60. but it is now becoming a concern across age groups in the context of rapid weight loss. Without adequate muscle reserves, individuals face increased risk of insulin resistance, cardiovascular problems, falls, early frailty and reduced quality of life.
For these reasons it is essential that people who are prescribed these weight loss drugs are strongly advised to embrace regular resistance training in addition to ensuring they are eating adequate protein.