Imagine living in a world where a simple and quick injection can cause you to lose up to 40% of lean body mass, you’d be interested in hearing more, yes? This simple injection exists and what was once a drug for diabetes has now taken the world by storm as a new weight loss drug. Losing 40% of your lean body mass while maintaining your blood sugar levels along the way. Sounds incredible right?
Not so fast, we did our research and found some insight that you might want to hear before you shell out $1,500 to lose 40% of your lean body mass. But first, what is lean body mass?
Lean body mass includes your bones, muscle mass and body water. In other words, losing 40% of your lean body mass which may sound great to the untrained ear simply means you’re losing muscle, water and bone density.
In other words, losing lean body mass has nothing to do with burning fat.
This is where weigh loss and fat loss are simply not the same. Losing weight and burning fat are two entirely different things.
But if you look at the scale and see a 40% decline in the pounds beneath your feet, you feel accomplished! But not so fast.
These drugs rob your body of strength, vitality and longevity and leave your body searching for these robbed goods.
What Exactly Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. GLP-1 weight loss medications are drugs that emulate the effects of GLP-1 to promote weight loss. These medications function by slowing down digestion, suppressing appetite, and inducing feelings of fullness.
Novo Nordisk is the manufacturer of two such medications: Ozempic and Wegovy, which are similar in nature but approved for different purposes. Ozempic, a 1 mg semaglutide injection, gained FDA approval for treating diabetes in 2017, and a higher 2 mg dose received approval in early 2022. On the other hand, Wegovy, a higher dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg), obtained approval in July 2021 specifically for treating obesity.
GLP-1 Agonists: Are They Truly “Miracle Drugs” for Weight Loss?
Clinical trials have demonstrated the impressive weight loss effects of GLP-1 agonists. However, it is essential to consider their impact on body composition. While shedding excess fat mass can be beneficial for health, the loss of lean mass can be associated with negative health trajectories and reduced lifespan.
Not All Weight Loss is Equally Healthy
Losing excess fat mass can have numerous positive effects on health. Conversely, losing lean mass, including muscle and bone density, can lead to poorer health outcomes. Safe and effective obesity treatments are those that significantly reduce fat mass while minimizing the concurrent loss of lean mass. Although some loss of lean mass is inevitable with significant weight reduction, the goal is to increase the body’s overall proportion of lean mass.
The Truth About GLP-1 Agonists and Your Body Composition
While clinical trials have yielded impressive data on the weight loss effects of GLP-1 agonists, body composition has not been a primary focus in these larger studies. Body composition metrics are considered safety endpoints, requiring smaller cohorts for testing. Therefore, investigations into body composition changes caused by GLP-1 agonists are limited and likely underpowered.
Based on the available information from early, smaller studies, GLP-1 agonists seem to cause a concerning amount of lean mass loss. In the STEP 1 trial (2021) and a substudy of the SUSTAIN 8 trial, a significant portion of weight loss consisted of lean mass loss, accounting for approximately 39% and nearly 40% of total weight loss, respectively.
Is Weight Loss Worth the Risk? Who Should Consider GLP-1 Agonists Carefully?
While lean mass loss among individuals with obesity can be an acceptable trade-off for significant weight reduction, the growing popularity of GLP-1 agonists as weight loss drugs among healthy-weight individuals is cause for concern.
Although fat loss can be beneficial for individuals with obesity, the potential benefits of fat loss for healthy-weight individuals are minimal and unlikely to outweigh the substantial health risks associated with reduced lean mass. Furthermore, since large-scale trials of GLP-1 agonists have only been conducted in obese or overweight study populations, it remains unknown whether these drugs affect body composition in normal-weight individuals in the same way.
Even among patients with obesity, not all can afford to lose significant lean mass. Sarcopenic obesity, which is particularly common among older populations, is characterized by the dual hazards of excess fat mass and low levels of skeletal muscle. Further reductions in lean mass among those who already have inadequate levels could pose a greater threat to health and longevity than the presence of excess fat.
Exercise Caution
While GLP-1 agonists may be effective in reducing body weight, it is crucial to acknowledge the drawbacks they can have on body composition. Overweight or obese patients may still benefit from GLP-1 agonists, despite the potential for lean mass loss. However, for patients without excess fat, the significant risk of lean mass loss may outweigh the benefits. Patients with sarcopenic obesity, characterized by low levels of skeletal muscle and excess fat mass, may face greater health complications if they experience further reductions in lean mass. For these patients, alternative weight loss strategies such as bariatric surgery may be a more promising option. Even for patients with obesity and sufficient lean mass, efforts should still be made to minimize lean mass loss as much as possible. This can include incorporating weight-bearing exercise and strength training to counteract muscle and bone mass losses while taking these drugs, as well as ensuring adequate protein intake.
While GLP-1 agonists have garnered acclaim for their effectiveness in reducing body weight, it is important to recognize that there are no miracle drugs. The impact on body composition cannot be overlooked, and both physicians and patients should exercise caution and discretion when determining the most suitable weight management strategy. While GLP-1 agonists may hold potential for certain individuals, the potential risks and limitations should be carefully weighed against the benefits. Striving for a comprehensive approach to weight management that prioritizes the preservation of lean mass and overall health remains crucial.
Take a look at what Dr. Peter Attia has to say:
Dr. Lisa Fortin Recommends These Alternate Ideas..
Dr. Lisa Fortin is a Harvard trained Radiologist with her undergrad in biotechnology with additional training in regenerative medicine and longevity. She is currently getting her certification in the Human Longevity Institute. She runs a highly advanced practice in Northern Michigan with high tech health treatments and options not seen in the rest of the state as well as in many parts of the country. Her clients travel from all over the state and country to see her.
She shares “You don’t want to lose weight at the expense of your health, when there are so many ways to do so without harming your body.”
Fortin also shares that you can fast to burn fat, do the fasting mimicking diet, utilize a technology called EM-Sculpt neo which results in 30% permanent fat loss and 25% muscle gain in clinical studies. The Em-Sculpt Neo is one of the services she offers at her practice in Petoskey Michigan at Reyouvenate.com. She also suggested that if you wanted to utilize the natural GLP-1 pathway in the body you can utilize GLP-1 boosting probiotics for a similar but slower and steadier effect.
She reminds us, slow and steady wins the race!
Fortin also shares that managing your stress, aka: cortisol levels, creating a healthier relationship with insulin sensitivity, supporting your sleep with a healthy circadian rhythm are also very helpful in supporting the body in burning fat naturally.
Dr. Fortin also warned us that there is a rebound effect with these GLP-1 drugs. In other words, once you’re off these injections the body has to find it’s homeostasis. The body is meant to regulate it’s blood sugar levels and not have a drug interfere with it. There are many solutions that are much more sustainable and not nearly as damaging to the healthy components of the body that these drugs damage.
You can learn more about Dr. Lisa Fortin and her advanced medicine practice at Reyouvenate.com or DrLisaFortin.com.
Questions & Answers From Dr. Lisa Fortin on GLP-1 Medications:
Q: What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?
A: GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. They work by mimicking the action of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which stimulates insulin secretion and suppresses appetite.
Q: What are the names of the GLP-1 agonists available in the US?
A: In the US, the most commonly prescribed GLP-1 agonists include Exenatide (Byetta and Bydureon), Liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), and Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus). These drugs are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, and each offers its own unique advantages, such as greater dosing flexibility or multiple administration options.
Q: How do GLP-1 agonists work?
A: GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the action of the incretin hormone GLP-1. This stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses appetite, and slows down the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach.
Q: Are GLP-1 agonists effective for weight loss?
A: Yes, GLP-1 agonists have been shown to be effective in reducing body weight and BMI in clinical trials.
Q: What are the risks of lean mass loss?
A: Lean mass loss can be associated with poorer health trajectories and reduced lifespan. In particular, losing muscle mass can lead to decreased strength and mobility, as well as an increased risk of falls and fractures.
Q: Are there any alternative weight loss strategies for patients with sarcopenic obesity?
A: Emsculpt Neo, Intermittent fasting, ProLong FMD or Bariatric surgery may be a more promising option for patients with sarcopenic obesity, as it can result in significant weight loss while preserving lean mass.
Q: I am already taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist, what can I do to mitigate muscle loss?
A: Increasing weight-bearing exercise and strength training, and ensuring sufficient protein intake, can help to minimize lean mass losses while taking GLP-1 agonists.
GLP-1 Side Effects:
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) injections are a type of medication commonly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These injections work by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. While GLP-1 injections are generally well-tolerated, they can have some potential side effects. It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and not everyone will experience these side effects. Some common side effects of GLP-1 injections may include:
- Nausea: This is one of the most common side effects of GLP-1 injections. It usually occurs during the initial weeks of treatment but tends to improve over time. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and gradually increasing the dose of the medication can help manage this side effect.
- Vomiting: In some cases, GLP-1 injections may lead to vomiting. If this occurs, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.
- Diarrhea: Some individuals may experience diarrhea as a side effect of GLP-1 injections. Drinking plenty of fluids and maintaining a balanced diet can help manage this symptom. If it persists or becomes severe, it’s advisable to seek medical advice.
- Hypoglycemia: GLP-1 injections, particularly when used in combination with other diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas, can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly and be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, confusion, sweating, and weakness.
- Injection site reactions: Some individuals may experience redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. Rotating injection sites and using proper injection techniques can help minimize these reactions.
- Unhealthy Weight loss: While weight loss can be a desirable effect for some individuals, it’s worth noting that GLP-1 injections may lead to significant weight loss. Losing weight in the form of bone mass, muscle mass and water are not healthy ways to reduce the size of your body. Muscle mass and bone density become increasingly valuable as we age.
It’s crucial to discuss any potential side effects with a healthcare professional before starting GLP-1 injections. They can provide personalized guidance, monitor your progress, and help manage any adverse reactions effectively.
Article Source: is GLP-1 a Healthy Weight Loss Solution From a Harvard Doctor’s Perspective
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