How Much Muscle Do You Lose on GLP-1s? | Nutritionist Explains | Myprotein

Do GLP-1 weight loss drugs cause muscle loss? Medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro can produce significant weight loss, but how much of that weight comes from body fat versus muscle? In this video, expert nutritionist Dr Richie Kirwan explains the relationship between GLP-1 medications, weight loss and muscle mass, why lean body mass can decrease during rapid weight loss, and what you can do to help preserve muscle while losing fat. Key Facts: GLP-1-based medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, can support substantial weight loss by reducing appetite and overall food intake. Weight loss generally involves reductions in both fat mass and lean body mass. Lean body mass includes muscle but also water, organs and other non-fat tissues, so losing lean mass doesn't necessarily mean losing the same amount of muscle. Research suggests that a meaningful proportion of weight lost during GLP-1 treatment can come from lean body mass, although estimates vary between studies. Eating significantly fewer calories can make it more difficult to consume enough protein to support muscle maintenance. Resistance training provides an important stimulus for preserving muscle during weight loss. Consuming sufficient protein and avoiding unnecessarily aggressive calorie restriction can help support muscle retention. Maintaining muscle mass is important for physical strength, mobility and long-term health. FAQ: Q: Do GLP-1 medications cause muscle loss? A: Muscle and other lean tissue can be lost during GLP-1-assisted weight loss, particularly when weight loss is substantial. However, not all reductions in lean body mass represent skeletal muscle loss. Q: Does Mounjaro cause muscle loss? A: Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, can produce significant weight loss, including reductions in both fat mass and lean body mass. Q: How can you prevent muscle loss while taking GLP-1 medications? A: Resistance training, adequate protein intake and a nutritionally balanced diet can help preserve muscle during weight loss. Individual plans should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional. Q: How much protein should you eat on GLP-1 medications? A: Protein requirements vary depending on body size, activity levels and medical circumstances. Many physically active adults aim for around 1.2–1.6g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day or more in certain circumstances, but targets should be individualised. Q: Is losing muscle during weight loss unavoidable? A: Some reduction in lean body mass is common during significant weight loss, but resistance training and adequate nutrition can help minimise unnecessary muscle loss. Q: Should you lift weights while taking Ozempic or Mounjaro? A: For people who can safely participate, resistance training is a valuable way to maintain strength and muscle mass while losing weight. #myprotein #wheyprotein #protein #nutrition ********************************* Myprotein is Rated Excellent on Trustpilot 🔔 Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MyproteinUK?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Download the Myprotein app: https://myprotein.onelink.me/IYeO/o2erh9hb The UK & Europe's Number 1 Online Sports Nutrition Brand, Myprotein.