Popular weight loss drugs that belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown to cause muscle loss.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are drugs that help the body manage blood sugar and appetite. They mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps control insulin release, reduce hunger, and slow down digestion.

These drugs are used for diabetes and weight management, such as popular ones like Ozempic and Wegovy.

A recent study in The Lancet has raised concerns about how these drugs, suggesting that more research is needed to understand their impact on muscle mass.

While GLP-1 agonists were originally approved for managing type 2 diabetes, studies have shown that they can also lead to significant weight loss, which has made them increasingly popular worldwide.

Users have reported improvements in overall health, including better kidney and heart function, reduced risk of stroke, and even enhanced glucose management.

However, researchers have cautioned that the benefits may come at the cost of fat-free tissue loss, which could include muscle, particularly if the weight loss occurs too fast.

The authors of the Lancet commentary, including dietician Carla Prado and biomedical researcher Stuart Phillips, note that while muscle loss isn’t always linked directly to reduced strength, muscles play essential roles beyond movement.

They help support metabolism, immune function, and insulin response. The scientists said that current studies have not specifically measured muscle loss or long-term physical frailty in patients on these medications, leaving gaps in our understanding.

Research shows that adding nutrition and exercise sessions could help reduce the potential muscle loss. Increasing protein intake and resistance training are proven ways to preserve muscle, with some evidence suggesting that resistance exercise can reduce fat-free mass loss by up to 95%.

Therefore, experts recommend a combined approach for patients on GLP-1 agonists, supporting the drugs can be effective along with proper diet and physical activity.

Stopping these medications often results in regaining much of the lost weight within a year, but supervised exercise could help individuals maintain their progress longer.

Researchers are also investigating new drugs to counter muscle loss specifically, a promising area for future treatment options.