GLP-1 Muscle Loss: Should We Worry?

Honestly, muscle loss on these meds wouldn't even be a topic if people just prioritized protein and resistance training. Most folks just focus on cutting calories and that's it.
 
Here’s my takeaway from that article, for what it's worth:

It's not clear *what kind* of muscle people are losing on GLP-1s. Is it functional muscle, or that junky, fatty muscle that doesn't do much anyway?

Some older studies suggest that calorie restriction might target that lower-quality tissue first. A study from last year even showed that people on tirzepatide lost about the same amount of muscle as with other weight loss methods, but the fat *inside* their muscles decreased. But that study only looked at thigh muscles.

Basically, the doc in the article thinks the initial loss might be from the muscle your body doesn't need, but more research is needed.
 
That's a very thought-provoking article.

I always assumed that heavier people must have significantly stronger leg muscles. Having lost a tremendous amount of weight myself, I've experienced some muscle loss, but my legs remain quite strong. I am not especially worried. Strength-building exercises and sufficient protein should help me rebuild muscle, especially in my arms. Dropping around 130 pounds has allowed me to return to the very active lifestyle I used to have.
 
you're 18, don't wreck yourself with fake hgh when you already got plenty. use creatine instead and think clear.
 
I used to be super buff, then my metabolism went south. After dropping somewhere near 90 pounds, I’m seeing definition again, and my calves and biceps are still pretty much the same size. Maybe that doctor is right about it being useless fat in the muscle. I will say I am on a low dose of growth hormone, so we shall see!
 
That's fantastic! Doesn't it feel incredible to shed that extra weight? I feel almost weightless, no longer burdened by gravity. My calf size hasn't changed much, and while I've lost some inches off my thighs, it's not drastic. My arms have become a little flabby, haha, but I'm hitting the weights so I can still get on my horse this spring.
 
The muscle loss is legit. Go to the gym, like, three times a week. Do at least half an hour of cardio (maybe build up to that), and lift some weights. If you're clueless, hire a trainer for a session or two. The machines are easiest; most show you what muscles they target. Just walk around and try them out. You'll like some, hate others. A great bonus is you'll drop weight faster. Another is, you could make some friends.
 
I’ve seen a few studies showing GLP-1s actually improve muscle quality and function, and reduce fat inside the muscle based on biopsies. While these drugs certainly decrease muscle mass, the total mass and fat loss significantly improve daily function. Think about climbing stairs, a huge difference when you’re obese versus after losing weight with GLP-1s. It feels effortless now. Many overweight folks carry extra weight in muscle. I knew a weightlifter who was annoyed that I could bench press as much as he could despite not exercising while being overweight. Losing this extra muscle with weight loss usually doesn’t matter, as overall physical function improves. Losing extra leg muscle needed to move a heavy body also doesn’t matter. It's a net win.

This might be a real issue for people close to sarcopenic obesity, but that’s probably related to advanced age or chronic disease and not usually something younger people doing GLP-1s should worry about. Maybe an issue in your mid to late 60s and up. Yo-yo dieting with GLP-1s could worsen things.

High protein and resistance training are smart while losing weight, but many obese folks struggle with regular exercise, which is partly why they’re obese to begin with. I haven’t done resistance training, and my upper body strength is lower than when I was obese, but it’s much easier to carry heavy stuff without a big gut, or getting winded fast.
 
Whole_Free783 said:
The muscle loss is legit. Go to the gym, like, three times a week. Do at least half an hour of cardio
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This is the way. Seriously, ladies, don't be scared of the weight room. You won't bulk up like a man unless you're trying really, REALLY hard and taking stuff most of us wouldn't touch.
 
I think what Green-FWIW is saying makes a lot of sense. Functionality is key. I can walk further and faster at this weight even if I'm not as "strong" in some abstract sense.
 
Ok, so I'm totally new to this... how much protein are we actually supposed to be eating on these meds? I'm starving all the time anyway, so maybe I should focus on protein?
 
Another person on reddit posted about how they're gaining muscle and looking more toned while on Ozempic. Said the weight is coming off slower, but they're seeing changes in their arms and legs. Good to know it's possible!
 
I think focusing on protein, as Core_Fit mentioned, is definitely important. I'm trying to get at least 80-90 grams a day. It also helps keep me full!
 
HGH fragment 176-191 burns fat without raising glucose like somatropin does. Doesnt build muscle like regular HGH but targets fat. Over 50, probably safer than full HGH.
 
you look fantastic! i started adding exercise a few months ago and tried creatine for a week but woke up with brutal stomach cramps and was drinking water constantly. any tips? either way you're killing it.
 
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