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A new warning from experts says that popular weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro might cause loss of muscle unless people use them with proper guidance. The headline comes from commentary and concern among doctors and nutritionists after the rapid rise in prescriptions for these drugs. The notice is not about a single dramatic study, but a broader caution based on how the drugs work and early reports from clinicians. These medicines are in a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists (that’s a mouthful). In plain terms: they copy a natural hormone made in your gut that helps control appetite and blood sugar. People who take them tend to eat less because they feel full sooner and they digest food a bit more slowly. Ozempic and Mounjaro are brand names for two of these drugs that have become widely used for treating diabetes and, more recently, for weight loss. What experts are pointing out is that when people lose weight quickly, some of the weight can be muscle as well as fat. The research and clinical experience referenced in the warning includes observations from doctors treating patients and some studies that show diet-induced or drug-related weight loss can include a drop in lean mass (muscle). The exact amounts can vary by study and by person. The important detail is that if people simply reduce calories and lose weight without attention to protein intake and resistance (strength) exercise, they may lose a meaningful amount of muscle along with fat. Why this matters is practical. Muscle is important for strength, balance, metabolism, and overall function as we age. Losing muscle can make it harder to keep weight off and can reduce quality of life, especially for older adults. So anyone taking these drugs for weight loss should ideally have a plan that includes adequate protein, strength training, and medical supervision. That way most of the weight lost is fat, not muscle. There are caveats and unknowns. The warning is not saying these drugs are unsafe in general — they have proven benefits for blood sugar control and weight loss for many people. But the long-term effects on muscle, especially for people who use them without guidance, aren’t fully settled. Side effects of GLP-1 drugs can include nausea, stomach upset, and less commonly other issues; they should be prescribed and monitored by a clinician. People with certain health conditions or on specific medications should not start or stop them without talking to their doctor. Bottom line: Ozempic, Mounjaro and similar drugs can help people lose weight, but to avoid losing muscle as well you need medical oversight, good nutrition (especially protein), and strength exercise.
Source: Firstpost