Introduction#
The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (marketed under the brand name Ozempic), has become increasingly popular for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These medications work by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. However, concerns have been raised about their potential impact on body composition, particularly regarding muscle loss. In this article, we will delve into the current research on GLP-1 receptor agonists and their effects on muscle mass, discuss practical guidelines for maintaining muscle mass while using these medications, and summarize key findings from recent studies.
The Science Behind GLP-1 Receptor Agonists#
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that have been shown to provide significant weight loss effects by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness (Rodríguez Jiménez et al., 2024). They also have beneficial effects on metabolic parameters, such as improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood pressure (Argyrakopoulou et al., 2025). However, the impact of these medications on body composition, including muscle mass, is a topic of ongoing research.
Studies have suggested that GLP-1 receptor agonists can lead to weight loss, including both fat and lean body mass (Y Ozeki et al., 2022; RL Dubin et al., 2024). The loss of lean body mass may be attributed to several factors, including reduced muscle protein synthesis and increased muscle breakdown (IJ Neeland et al., 2024).
Practical Guidelines for Maintaining Muscle Mass#
While the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists may result in some loss of lean body mass, there are several strategies that can help mitigate this effect. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein is essential for supporting muscle health (Ryan, 2025). Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity, including resistance training, can help build and maintain muscle mass (J Hierholzer et al., 2026).
Ensuring adequate sleep and hydration is also crucial for overall health and may help support muscle preservation. Furthermore, combining GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy with other medications or therapies that target muscle preservation may provide additional benefits (Argyrakopoulou et al., 2025).
Emerging Therapies to Mitigate Muscle Loss#
Researchers are actively exploring strategies to preserve lean body mass during treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Emerging therapies, such as combination treatments and novel compounds that target both weight loss and muscle preservation, may offer new opportunities for mitigating muscle loss (J Hierholzer et al., 2026).
For example, studies have investigated the use of GLP-1/GIP dual agonists, which may provide benefits for both weight loss and muscle preservation (RL Dubin et al., 2024). Additionally, researchers are exploring the potential of other compounds, such as myostatin inhibitors, to promote muscle growth and preserve lean body mass during weight loss therapy (IJ Neeland et al., 2024).
Key Takeaways#
- GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic), can lead to significant weight loss effects, but may also result in some loss of lean body mass.
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep and hydration can help mitigate potential muscle loss.
- Emerging therapies, such as combination treatments and novel compounds, may offer new opportunities for preserving lean body mass during treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of these medications on body composition and to develop effective strategies for mitigating muscle loss.
References#
Rodríguez Jiménez B, Rodríguez de Vera Gómez P, Belmonte Lomas S, et al. “Transforming body composition with semaglutide in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.” Frontiers in endocrinology, 2024. PubMed | Full Text PDF | DOI
Argyrakopoulou G, Gitsi E, Konstantinidou SK, et al. “The effect of obesity pharmacotherapy on body composition, including muscle mass.” International journal of obesity, 2025. PubMed | Full Text PDF | DOI
Ryan DH. “New drugs for the treatment of obesity: do we need approaches to preserve muscle mass?” Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders, 2025. PubMed | Full Text PDF | DOI
Y Ozeki, T Masaki, A Kamata, et al. “The effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide on body composition in elderly obese diabetic patients: a pilot study.” Medicines, 2022. Google Scholar | Full Text PDF
J Hierholzer, H Benson, HA Ewida. “Mitigating loss of lean muscle in GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists: Pipeline opportunities and limitations.” Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 2026. Google Scholar
RL Dubin, SB Heymsfield, E Ravussin. “Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist‐based agents have on FFM.” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2024. Google Scholar | Full Text PDF
IJ Neeland, J Linge. “Changes in lean body mass with glucagon‐like peptide‐1‐based therapies and mitigation strategies.” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2024. Google Scholar | Full Text PDF