If you or a loved one is taking a common GLP-1 such as Ozempic or Wegovy, you may be wondering, can Ozempic cause muscle loss? Is this something you should be mindful of? According to a recent clinical trial on Ozempic, 86.4% of participants lost 5% or more of their body weight after 68 weeks on the weight-loss medication. Additionally, 69.1% lost 10% or more of their body weight. While weight loss can bring about health benefits, losing weight rapidly can also cause a decrease in muscle mass, reduce bone density, and lower resting metabolic rate. All of these combined can lead to sarcopenia — the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and function.
Ozempic and Muscle Loss
So does Ozempic cause muscle loss? Dr. Rekha Kumar, endocrinologist and Chief Medical Officer at Found, says sarcopenia typically affects the elderly population and is associated with aging. However, losing weight rapidly with medications like Ozempic can also cause sarcopenia. This is mostly due to the fact that individuals don’t have the proper diet and exercise routine while on the medication. Sarcopenia can reduce stamina and the ability to perform essential daily activities like easily walking up stairs.
Sarcopenia and Ozempic
New data is being released raising concern regarding bone density while taking Ozempic. This data is evaluating participants who underwent DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). The total mass loss reported was 38%. This is on the high end of what the number should look like. Typically when people lose weight, one-quarter to one-third of that weight can be muscle. The faster we lose, the more likely we are to lose muscle. While 20% reduction in muscle mass seems normal for someone losing weight, the problem is the length of time in which this muscle loss occurs.
How to Avoid Muscle Loss on Ozempic
Because the weight loss process on Ozempic is rapid, honing in on your nutritional intake is key. Focus on your intake of protein to avoid sarcopenic obesity. At Life After Semaglutide, our team of professional nutritionists are readily available to help you on your health journey. If you are currently taking Ozempic or want to ween off of it safely, we are here to help.
We are currently the only company offering this type of service. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you become the healthiest you while maintaining the weight you have already lost.