While GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro have shown great efficacy for diabetes and weight loss, some studies have raised concerns about their potential to cause lean muscle mass loss in some patients.
The medicines work by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which regulates appetite and blood sugar. But this mechanism may also interfere with growth signals that maintain muscle tissue.
Clinical trials have demonstrated varying degrees of muscle loss associated with different GLP-1 drugs, impacting both skeletal muscle and heart muscle in some cases. The effect appears more pronounced at higher doses used for weight loss.
Experts recommend monitoring body composition, not just weight, while on these medications. Some also suggest combining with exercise and protein intake to help preserve muscle mass during treatment.
Drug companies are working on next-generation GLP-1 variants designed to better separate the weight loss and muscle preserving effects of the therapy. But for now, muscle wasting remains a potential side effect to watch for.
Let me know if you need any additional details around this topic based on what was known in 2023. I’m unable to summarize any future article content past that time period.
