Does Ozempic make you lose muscle?

Medical News Today

6 days ago

Ozempic can cause muscle loss along with weight loss. Studies have shown that some people using Ozempic can lose both fat and muscle. If you're concerned with muscle loss while using Ozempic, be sure to talk with your doctor.Ozempic (semaglutide) belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists). Ozempic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in people with type 2 diabetes with certain conditions.Ozempic can cause a loss of appetite, which can cause you to lose weight. This includes fat loss, muscle loss, and possibly bone density. Keep reading to learn strategies to help preserve muscle and maintain bone health while using Ozempic.Note: Ozempic is not approved by the FDA for weight loss or weight management. However, some doctors may prescribe the drug off-label for this use. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a use other than an FDA-approved use. The drug Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide, but it comes in higher strengths, and it's approved for weight loss or weight management in certain people.The effects of rapid weight lossThere are concerns about Ozempic's effects on muscle mass and strength. Clinical trials have not specifically linked Ozempic to direct muscle loss. However, some individuals may have a lower appetite, leading to weight loss, which can include loss of both fat and muscle.In one clinical trial, 86.4% of people taking semaglutide lost 5% or more of their body weight, while 69.1% of people taking the drug lost 10% or more.Studies have shown that GLP-1 drugs can reduce lean mass, but the results are mixed. (Lean mass can refer to muscle mass, organ size, bone mass, fluids, and water in fat tissue.) For example, semaglutide has been linked to a 40% reduction in lean mass, while liraglutide has been linked to a reduction of up to 60%. (Liraglutide is the active ingredient in the GLP-1 drug Victoza.) Another study comparing semaglutide and tirzepatide with placebo (a drug with no active ingredient) showed a 15% or less decrease in lean mass across all groups. (Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in the GLP-1 drug Zepbound.)Rapid weight loss associated with GLP-1 medications may also affect bone density. A small study showed that people using Victoza had lower bone mineral density in the hip and spine compared to people taking a placebo. However, more studies, especially in different populations, are needed to fully understand the long-term effects of GLP-1 medications on bone health.While weight loss can be beneficial and improve overall health, losing weight rapidly may weaken your musculoskeletal system and cause other health concerns. If you're taking GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, it's important to talk with your doctor about ways to maintain or increase your muscle mass, especially if you experience significant weight loss.Preventing muscle loss with OzempicBelow are some strategies that may help prevent muscle loss while using Ozempic:Increase your protein intake: Consuming more protein in your meals can help maintain muscle mass while using Ozempic. This is especially important for older adults and those with other conditions in addition to type 2 diabetes. Diets high in protein can help prevent the loss of lean mass while increasing fat loss. Your doctor or a dietitian can help you determine whether you're getting enough protein in your diet.Focus on strength training: Exercise, especially resistance training, can effectively preserve muscle mass and increase muscle strength and bone density during treatment with GLP-1 drugs. Your doctor can help you determine the right strength training exercises for you. They may also refer you to an exercise therapist if needed.Monitor your body composition: To know whether you're maintaining muscle mass with Ozempic, it's important to monitor your body composition with your doctor or another healthcare professional. Body composition measurements can tell you what percentage of fat and muscle you have. Regular assessments can help you and your doctor adjust your diet or exercise plan as needed. Note: Before making changes to your diet or exercise plan, it's important to talk with your doctor to make sure these changes are right for you.Future treatments that may help prevent muscle lossA 2025 clinical trial has shown that taking bimagrumab and semaglutide together enhances fat loss and preserves muscle in adults with overweight or obesity. Bimagrumab is a monoclonal antibody drug that has been studied for its effect on promoting fat loss and increasing muscle mass in certain adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes.Bimagrumab is not yet approved for use by the FDA, and it's not approved for use with semaglutide as a combination therapy. But initial research shows the potential of new treatments to help preserve muscle mass in people taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.SummaryWhile Ozempic is effective for weight loss, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects on muscle and bone health. Strategies such as increasing protein intake, focusing on strength training exercises, and monitoring body composition can help prevent muscle loss while using Ozempic. If you have concerns about losing muscle during Ozempic treatment, be sure to talk with your doctor.Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.