SOUTHFIELD, Mich. \u2013 As fitness resolutions surge with the new year, many are turning to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight loss.<\/p>\n
These drugs, originally designed for diabetes, have become popular for obesity treatment due to their effectiveness in reducing appetite and promoting weight loss.<\/p>\n
Dr. Amy Somerset, an obesity medicine specialist at Detroit Medical Center, explains that while these medications help shed pounds, they also cause loss of muscle mass.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you lose weight with these medications, you can lose anywhere from 10 to 40 percent of non-fat mass,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Non-fat mass includes muscle, bone, and organs, which are crucial for overall health.<\/p>\n
The mechanism behind this muscle loss involves appetite suppression and decreased glucagon, a hormone that helps build muscle. Without enough calories and protein, the body may break down muscle for fuel.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to utilize these medications with diet and exercise and lifestyle changes,\u201d Dr. Somerset said.<\/p>\n
Stephanie Lopez Gilmore, a fitness and personal trainer at Franklin Athletic Club, echoes this concern.<\/p>\n
She advises clients on GLP-1s to increase protein intake and strength training to preserve muscle.<\/p>\n
\u201cLosing muscle mass makes it very difficult to gain it back, especially after age 40,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Katie Sullivan, who lost 60 pounds using Ozempic alongside clean eating and exercise, shares her experience with muscle loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cI probably started to lose some muscle mass during that time,\u201d she says, noting the importance of proper nutrition and working out to maintain muscle.<\/p>\n
Experts caution that muscle loss affects more than appearance.<\/p>\n
Dr. Somerset highlights risks including poor metabolism, posture issues, balance problems, and increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about longevity, health, reducing your comorbidities, living a better life,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Both doctors and trainers emphasize that GLP-1 medications are not magic pills.<\/p>\n
Sustainable weight loss requires a deliberate approach combining medication with a high-protein diet, resistance training, and ongoing lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n
Dr. Somerset warns against using these drugs as quick fixes without proper support. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf a patient\u2019s not able to commit to the healthy lifestyle, don\u2019t take these medications,\u201d she says. \u201cWe need to stop focusing on the scale and start focusing on health and living longer.\u201d<\/p>\n
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