Do weight-loss drugs really lead to muscle loss?
Do weight-loss drugs really lead to muscle loss?
Credit: Getty Images
Renowned endocrinologist and diabetologist Dr Ambrish Mithal told IndiaToday.in talked about muscle loss after consuming popular weight-loss drugs.
While reducing weight, whether one is on a diet or even with exercise, body fat along with muscle tends to reduce.
Muscle loss
'The body isn't so fine tuned to reduce fat only during weight loss. When you lose weight, you lose both fat and some muscle. To limit that, you need strength training and enough protein,' he explained.
Exercise, especially strength training, is important to prevent muscle loss, a natural part of rapid weight loss, whether it's achieved through medication, dieting, or surgery.
With both Wegovy and Mounjaro now accessible, India finally has two cutting-edge medical options in the fight against obesity.
'These drugs are designed for long-term use. They're filling a big gap in obesity care. But that doesn't mean lifestyle takes a back seat. These drugs work with lifestyle, not instead of it," said Dr. Mithal.
Weight-loss drugs do not replace diet
The current guidelines suggest prescribing drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide to people with a BMI over 30, or between 27 and 30 if they have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Guidelines for prescribing
While Wegovy was launched on June 24, Mounjaro as available in the Indian market since March 2025.
Expert have said that the new-age weight-loss drugs are not a magic cure but powerful ally to reducing obesity crisis.
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Do weight-loss drugs really lead to muscle loss?
Do weight-loss drugs really lead to muscle loss? Credit: Getty Images Renowned endocrinologist and diabetologist Dr Ambrish Mithal told talked about muscle loss after consuming popular weight-loss drugs. While reducing weight, whether one is on a diet or even with exercise, body fat along with muscle tends to reduce. Muscle loss 'The body isn't so fine tuned to reduce fat only during weight loss. When you lose weight, you lose both fat and some muscle. To limit that, you need strength training and enough protein,' he explained. Exercise, especially strength training, is important to prevent muscle loss, a natural part of rapid weight loss, whether it's achieved through medication, dieting, or surgery. With both Wegovy and Mounjaro now accessible, India finally has two cutting-edge medical options in the fight against obesity. 'These drugs are designed for long-term use. They're filling a big gap in obesity care. But that doesn't mean lifestyle takes a back seat. These drugs work with lifestyle, not instead of it," said Dr. Mithal. Weight-loss drugs do not replace diet The current guidelines suggest prescribing drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide to people with a BMI over 30, or between 27 and 30 if they have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Guidelines for prescribing While Wegovy was launched on June 24, Mounjaro as available in the Indian market since March 2025. Expert have said that the new-age weight-loss drugs are not a magic cure but powerful ally to reducing obesity crisis.
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