People who use weight loss drugs could be at risk of losing muscle mass
BOSTON - People who use popular weight loss drugs may be at risk for muscle wasting.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, are incredibly effective at helping overweight people shed weight fairly quickly. But with rapid weight loss comes the potential for sarcopenia or the gradual loss of muscle mass, bone density, strength, stamina, and function which we typically associate with getting older.
Someone may have more trouble climbing stairs, for example.
One easy way to combat this side effect is to eat more protein and engage in strength and resistance training at least two or three times a week.
