Understanding weight loss drugs
Dr Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi (India) – said that current weight loss drugs can bring many benefits, especially for people struggling with obesity, but they can also pose risks to musculoskeletal health if not used carefully and properly.
Maintaining muscle mass is essential not only for mobility and physical strength, but also for overall metabolic health and longevity.
According to Dr. Chatterjee, weight loss drugs such as GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a gut hormone and regulating appetite and blood sugar levels, leading to reduced calorie intake.
Meanwhile, SGLT2 inhibitors, commonly used in diabetes management, help the body excrete glucose through urine, indirectly aiding weight loss.
There are also appetite suppressants to reduce food intake.
These drugs can lead to effective weight loss, but if not combined with muscle-preserving measures, they can inadvertently accelerate muscle loss, notes Dr. Chatterjee.
The link between weight loss and muscle mass
Rapid weight loss often involves not only fat loss but also loss of lean muscle mass, explains Dr. Chatterijee.
This is because muscle tissue is metabolically active and tends to be used as an energy source when calorie intake is restricted.
In particular, skeletal muscles play an important role in maintaining posture, strength, and metabolic health.
Losing muscle mass can lead to a slower metabolism, making it more difficult to maintain weight loss over time.
Additionally, it increases the risk of frailty, falls and insulin resistance, potentially negating some of the benefits of weight loss.
How to protect muscle health
Incorporate strength training: Doing exercises like weightlifting, calisthenics, and resistance band training at least two to three times a week can help maintain muscle mass while losing weight.
Resistance training has been shown to signal muscle protein synthesis, counteracting the muscle loss that can accompany weight loss.
Prioritize protein intake: A daily protein intake goal of about 1.2–2 grams per kilogram of body weight is often recommended for people looking to maintain muscle.
Incorporate regular physical activity: Aerobic activity, flexibility exercises and balance training contribute to overall physical health and muscle protection.
Monitor your nutrient intake: Muscle health requires a variety of nutrients, including vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin D supports muscle function while omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect muscles.
