Avoiding muscle loss, which frequently happens to persons who use GLP-1 drugs to lose weight, may be possible with a higher protein consumption.
This guidance was provided by researchers from Harvard Medical School of Boston and Massachusetts General Hospital in a recent study that was presented on July 12 at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, ENO 2025, in San Francisco.
According to the paper, 40 participants in a short trial who used semaglutide to lose weight were compared to those who used a traditional diet and exercise regimen.
The semaglutide group outweighed the standard group after three months. Between the two groups, the proportion of weight reduction that was lean muscle mass was comparable.
Semaglutide recipients who lost more muscle mass than others were either female, older people, or those who consumed less protein during a weight-loss regimen.
“Eating more protein may help protect against muscle loss on semaglutide, which may be more likely in older adults and women,” said lead researcher Melanie Haines, MD, a neuroendocrinologist at Massachusetts General Hospital.
According to Haines, losing muscle compromises blood sugar regulation, which is essential for preserving bone strength and density.
These findings are encouraging, but they haven't been reported in a peer-reviewed scientific journal yet, so they might need more research.
According to earlier studies, taking GLP-1 medications to lose weight may result in decreased bone density and muscle mass as well as a decreased resting metabolic rate. Sarcopenia, a decrease of muscle mass, strength, and function, could result from this.
Muscle is more easily lost during weight loss than fat, according to bariatric surgeon Kais Rona, MD, of the MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Rona did not participate in the research.
The maintenance of muscle requires more energy from the body than the maintenance of fat. Muscle tissue is therefore more prone to deterioration.
"The higher metabolic requirements of muscle compared to fat are the direct cause of the disproportionately high percentage of muscle loss," he continued.
Originally created for diabetics, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) have become extremely popular due to their ability to help people lose weight.
While Wegovy, which also includes semaglutide, has FDA approval for weight loss, Ozempic (semaglutide) is frequently recommended off-label for weight loss.
Additionally, Zepbound and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have become very successful weight-loss drugs. While Zepbound has FDA approval for long-term weight management, Mounjaro is used off-label for weight loss.
In addition to decreasing food intake by slowing down gut function, these drugs are also very powerful appetite suppressants, Rona explained.
Therefore, you may take less protein when you eat less because of these medications, he said.
"The building blocks of muscle tissue are proteins, and a lack of protein causes muscle to break down, which reduces muscle mass."
When taking GLP-1 medications, a strength and resistance training regimen is "critical in maintaining muscle."
He also suggested eating a lot of protein. "My patients should consume 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day,"
Strength training and consuming more protein can help maintain muscle mass, according to Michelle Routhenstein, a certified dietitian with expertise in heart health.
When taking GLP-1 medications, a strength and resistance training regimen is "critical in maintaining muscle."
He also suggested eating a lot of protein. "My patients should consume 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day,"
Strength training and consuming more protein can help maintain muscle mass, according to Michelle Routhenstein, a certified dietitian with expertise in heart health.
Together, these two tactics increase the synthesis of muscle proteins and lower the chance of muscle loss when losing weight.
By encouraging fullness, assisting in appetite control, and maintaining muscle during weight loss particularly when paired with resistance training lean protein "supports both weight management and muscle maintenance," she said.
One macronutrient that aids in "physiologic changes that help promote a healthy weight as well as maintain muscle," according to Rona, is protein.
Diets high in protein have been demonstrated to increase metabolism, decrease hunger, and encourage fullness, he continued.
Routhenstein advised selecting lean animal protein sources like:
1. Skinless chicken;
2. Fatty Fish (tuna, salmon, and sardines); and
4. Dairy (Greek yogurt).
Legumes (like lentils or black beans) and soy products (like tempeh or tofu) are examples of plant-based alternatives.
Routhenstein highlighted how important a balanced diet is for those attempting to reduce their body weight.
"The body also requires healthy fats and carbohydrates to support hormone function, fuel exercise, and advance general health."
"Only depending on protein at the expense of other macronutrients may not promote long-term muscle health or disease prevention and may result in nutritional imbalances."
Rona also mentioned that some persons may benefit from taking dietary supplements, such as daily multivitamins, while using GLP-1 medications. "Talking to one's clinician about this is crucial."
Before making major dietary changes, anyone with a chronic illness, such as kidney or heart problems, should speak with their healthcare team.
