Ozempic Users Lose Muscle as well as Fat

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic help people shed fat, however they also strip away vital muscle mass, raising concerns about long-term heart health, physical function, and mortality.

In a recent study, the researchers emphasised that the weight loss associated with GLP-1 drugs has many clear health benefits for people with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart failure, including improving blood-sugar control, short-term cardiorenal (heart and kidneys) benefits, and improvements in survival outcomes. But doctors may need to consider recommending exercise programs or develop other approaches, such as nutrition supplements or complementary medications, to help GLP-1 patients get the full cardiorespiratory (heart and lungs) benefits of substantial weight loss over the long-run, the researchers say.

"Some patients literally told me that they felt that they were losing muscle or muscle was slipping away from them while they were on these medications," said researcher Zhenqi Liu, MD, Professor of Medicine and James M. Moss Professor of Diabetes at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and former chief of UVA Health's Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. "This is a serious concern. Muscle, especially axial (spine) muscle, is essential for posture, physical function and overall well-being. Losing lean body mass can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality and diminished quality of life. We need to make sure that patients prescribed these medications aren't already at risk for malnutrition or low muscle mass."

The researchers remain concerned that GLP-1 drugs could take a toll on patients' metabolic health, healthspan/frailty and overall longevity.

For more information about the study, click here.