New Delhi: As the use of weight loss medications surges, a recent study has raised concerns about their potential negative impact on skeletal muscle health. In a commentary published in The Lancet, researchers from the US and Canada have highlighted the risks associated with popular weight loss drugs, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are widely used to treat obesity.
The study, led by experts from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in the US, as well as the Universities of Alberta and McMaster in Canada, emphasizes the crucial role of skeletal muscle mass during medically induced weight loss. While these medications have demonstrated significant success in addressing obesity—a known risk factor for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer—they may also contribute to notable muscle loss, according to the researchers.
The findings show that muscle loss, indicated by reductions in fat-free mass, can represent 25% to 39% of total weight lost over periods ranging from 36 to 72 weeks. This muscle reduction poses health risks, as skeletal muscle is essential not only for physical strength and mobility but also for metabolic regulation and immune system function.
The study found that the decline in muscle mass was significantly higher with GLP-1 receptor agonists than with either non-pharmacological calorie restriction or natural aging. The researchers warn that this unintended consequence of using weight loss drugs could lead to various health complications, including impaired immunity, poor glucose control, and heightened vulnerability to infections.
Further, the authors pointed out that muscle loss from weight reduction could exacerbate sarcopenic obesity, a condition where muscle deterioration coexists with excess body fat. This condition is prevalent among obese individuals and is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and higher mortality rates.
Dr. Steven Heymsfield, a professor of metabolism and body composition at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, emphasized the importance of awareness about potential side effects when using weight loss drugs. He urged users to consider these medications' impact on nutritional intake, noting that reduced food consumption can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
The researchers recommended that individuals taking GLP-1 receptor agonists should maintain adequate protein intake and engage in regular exercise to minimize muscle loss. Dr. Heymsfield stressed that incorporating proper nutrition and physical activity alongside medication use could help mitigate the decline in muscle health while supporting overall metabolic function.
This study underscores the importance of a balanced approach to weight management, emphasizing that while GLP-1 receptor agonists offer promising results for obesity treatment, their side effects on muscle health require careful management.