A new article emphasizes the vital role of skeletal muscle mass during medically supervised weight loss, especially with the increasing use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs, known for their effectiveness in addressing obesity, have sparked worries about the potential for significant muscle loss during weight reduction.
A new commentary featured in The Lancet underscores the vital role of skeletal muscle mass in medically supervised weight loss, particularly given the growing popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Although these medications are praised for their success in treating obesity, there are rising concerns about the risk of considerable muscle loss during weight loss efforts.
Dr. Steven Heymsfield, a professor specializing in metabolism and body composition, along with Dr. M. Cristina Gonzalez, an adjunct and visiting professor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, collaborated with Dr. Carla Prado from the University of Alberta and Dr. Stuart Phillips from McMaster University to write a commentary for The Lancet titled “Muscle Matters: The Effects of Medically Induced Weight Loss on Skeletal Muscle.”
The authors indicate that muscle loss, measured by reductions in fat-free mass, can constitute 25 to 39 percent of total weight reduction over a span of 36 to 72 weeks. This rate of muscle decrease is considerably greater than what is generally seen with dietary restrictions or natural aging, potentially leading to unintended adverse health effects.
Even with the beneficial metabolic effects linked to GLP-1 receptor agonists—including better fat-to-fat-free tissue ratios—concerns regarding muscle loss are drawing increased attention. Skeletal muscle is crucial not only for physical strength and functionality but also for maintaining metabolic health and regulating the immune system.
A reduction in muscle mass has been associated with weakened immunity, a heightened risk of infections, impaired glucose regulation, and various other health complications. The authors warn that muscle loss related to weight loss could worsen conditions such as sarcopenic obesity, commonly affecting individuals with obesity and leading to poorer health results like cardiovascular disease and increased mortality risk.
While the immediate impacts of muscle loss on strength and function are still being studied, the commentary advocates for additional research to understand how muscle mass reductions might be countered through improvements in muscle composition and quality. The authors highlight the necessity for a comprehensive approach to weight loss treatment, integrating GLP-1 receptor agonists with exercise and nutritional strategies to maintain muscle mass.
“We need to be aware of the side effects linked to new weight loss medications, such as individuals consuming less while on these treatments and possibly missing out on essential dietary vitamins and minerals,” stated Dr. Heymsfield. “Moreover, when someone loses weight, they don’t just lose fat; they also lose muscle. We are investigating how to better manage this muscle loss through sufficient protein intake combined with optimal exercise.”
This ongoing dialogue emphasizes the importance of ensuring that weight loss strategies support overall health, including muscle preservation, as part of a holistic approach to tackling obesity.
