Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength that happens with aging and that can be accelerated by rapid weight loss. For people on GLP-1 agonist treatment, this is a real risk and deserves attention from the start of the protocol, not only when the problem is already present.
Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength that happens with aging and that can be accelerated by rapid weight loss. For people on GLP-1 agonist treatment, this is a real risk and ...
What the Research Shows
Studies with people undergoing weight loss treatment show that part of the weight lost can include muscle mass, especially when the loss is significant and fast. The problem is that once lost, muscle mass is difficult to regain. Preventing it is easier than reversing it.
The risk is higher in people over 50, in those who already had little muscle mass before starting treatment, and in people following diets with very high caloric deficit without proper protein and exercise support.
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Registrar no appWhy Muscle Matters More Than Just Appearance
Muscle mass is not only about aesthetics or strength for carrying groceries. Muscle is the largest energy consumer in the body at rest. The more muscle mass you have, the higher your basal metabolism, meaning the more calories your body burns simply to exist.
When you lose muscle, your metabolism slows down. This means that after weight loss, eating the same amount of food that a person with more muscle mass eats results in faster weight regain. This is why many people regain the weight after stopping a weight loss treatment without having built muscle in the process.
Additionally, strong muscles protect against falls, especially in older people. A hip fracture after a fall can have serious and permanent consequences.
