Popular weight loss drugs belonging to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists cause muscle loss.

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

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

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

While GLP-1 agonists were originally approved for the management of type 2 diabetes, studies have shown that they can also cause significant weight loss, which has made them increasingly popular around the world.

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

However, researchers caution that the benefits may come at the expense of fat-free tissue loss, which may include muscle, especially if weight loss occurs too rapidly.

The authors of the Lancet comment, including dietitian Carla Prado and biomedical researcher Stuart Phillips, note that while muscle loss is not always associated with reduced strength, muscles play essential roles beyond movement.

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

Research shows that adding nutrition and exercise sessions can help reduce 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 with appropriate diet and physical activity can be effective.

Discontinuing these medications often causes lost weight to be regained within a year, but supervised exercise can help individuals maintain their progress longer.

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