A recent study revealed that around 30% of the weight lost from popular weight loss injections consists of muscle and bone mass. It is emphasized by experts that individuals should incorporate lifestyle changes and physical activity to maintain weight loss over time while using these injections. These appetite-suppressing injections have gained widespread popularity, with millions of people in the UK already using them and many more expected to be prescribed in the future.
Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul examined 21 studies that utilized advanced scanning technology to determine the specific areas of the body from which weight was being reduced. The findings indicated that after receiving the injections, 31.5% of the weight lost was categorized as “fat-free mass,” including muscle and bone density, compared to 14.3% for those relying solely on diet and exercise.
Co-author Professor Signe Torekov from the University of Copenhagen emphasized the importance of implementing strategies to preserve fat-free mass based on these results. Experts caution that discontinuing the injections due to side effects or financial constraints often leads to weight regain, especially in fat mass, while muscle mass does not recover. This can result in decreased strength and muscle mass, making future weight loss more challenging.
The potential loss of bone density puts individuals at a higher risk of osteoporosis and frailty as they age. It is recommended that those using weight loss injections also engage in strength training to prevent the loss of bone and muscle mass. Studies on semaglutide, also known as Ozempic or Wegovy, have highlighted an increased risk of fractures associated with frailty, particularly in older women.
Professor Donna Ryan from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center stressed the importance of promoting exercise to protect muscles and bones during significant weight loss. Weight loss injections work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to induce a feeling of fullness but can lead to side effects like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.
Researchers emphasize the significance of body composition analysis in evaluating the long-term effectiveness of weight loss injections. By examining data from over 1,300 participants, it was observed that weight loss from injections resulted in a higher loss of fat-free mass, predominantly muscle and bone, compared to diet and exercise alone or weight loss surgery.
Loss of bone density is a particular concern for women, as most privately prescribed weight loss injections are for females who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Experts advise against perceiving these drugs as a substitute for exercise, highlighting the importance of physical activity in maintaining muscle mass and overall health for sustained weight management.
While the study did not specify the exact composition of the fat-free mass lost, ongoing research is focusing on the impact of injections on grip strength, a key indicator of frailty and osteoporosis.
