Higher Protein Intake May Mitigate Muscle Loss in Patients Using Anti-Obesity Medication

Sun 13th Jul, 2025

Recent research suggests that increasing protein consumption can help patients taking the anti-obesity medication semaglutide reduce the risk of muscle loss. This finding was presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, ENDO 2025, held in San Francisco, California.

Muscle loss, or the reduction of lean mass, is a commonly reported side effect of weight loss among individuals with obesity. Such loss can adversely affect metabolism and bone health, as muscle tissue plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels post-meal and in maintaining strong bones, according to the lead researcher, Dr. Melanie Haines from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Data indicates that nearly 40% of the weight lost by individuals taking semaglutide--a GLP-1 receptor agonist--comes from lean mass, including muscle. Dr. Haines noted that the factors contributing to muscle loss and their effects on blood sugar levels are still being investigated.

The study involved 40 adults diagnosed with obesity over a three-month period. Among these participants, 23 were placed on a semaglutide regimen, while 17 engaged in a dietary and lifestyle program known as Healthy Habits for Life (HHL). The researchers monitored changes in muscle mass across both groups.

Results showed that the semaglutide group experienced greater weight loss compared to the HHL group; however, the proportion of muscle mass lost was comparable between both groups. Further analysis revealed that older age, female gender, and lower protein intake were associated with increased muscle loss in the semaglutide cohort. Additionally, a correlation was found between greater muscle loss and less improvement in blood sugar control, as indicated by HbA1c levels.

Dr. Haines emphasized the importance of adequate protein consumption for older adults and women taking semaglutide, stating that increased protein intake may help in preserving muscle mass. This preservation is critical, as excessive muscle loss could diminish the benefits of semaglutide in managing blood sugar levels. Thus, maintaining muscle mass during weight loss with semaglutide could be vital for enhancing insulin sensitivity and preventing frailty in individuals with obesity.

Dr. Haines advocates for further research to determine the most effective strategies for fat loss while preserving muscle mass among users of GLP-1 medications.


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