A recent study revealed that around one-third of the weight lost through popular weight loss injections consists of muscle and bone mass. It is crucial for individuals undergoing this treatment to incorporate lifestyle changes and exercise to sustain long-term weight loss. These appetite-suppressing injections have gained widespread popularity, with millions of individuals in the UK currently using them and many more expected to receive prescriptions in the future.
The research, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, analyzed 21 studies that utilized advanced scanning technology to determine the body areas from which weight was being lost. Results showed that after receiving the injections, 31.5% of the weight loss comprised “fat-free mass,” including muscle and bone density, compared to 14.3% for those following diet and exercise alone.
Co-author Professor Signe Torekov from the University of Copenhagen emphasized the importance of adopting strategies to preserve fat-free mass to maintain overall health. Experts cautioned that discontinuing the injections due to side effects or cost issues often leads to weight regain, especially in fat mass, while muscle and bone mass may not fully recover, making future weight loss more challenging.
Furthermore, the loss of bone density can increase the risk of osteoporosis and frailty as individuals age. It is recommended that individuals on weight loss injections also engage in strength training to prevent the loss of bone and muscle mass. Previous trials of semaglutide, known as Ozempic or Wegovy, revealed an elevated risk of fractures, particularly in older women.
Professor Donna Ryan from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center stressed the importance of promoting physical activity, such as resistance training, to protect muscles and bones during weight loss. While weight loss injections simulate the hormone GLP-1 to induce early satiety, they may cause side effects like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.
Researchers highlighted the significance of assessing body composition to determine the long-term effectiveness of weight loss injections. By analyzing data from over 1,300 participants using various imaging techniques, the study showed that individuals undergoing weight loss surgery, injections, or traditional methods lost varying amounts of fat-free mass, with injections resulting in a higher loss compared to diet and exercise alone.
Concerns were raised about the impact of weight loss injections on bone density, especially in women who are more susceptible to osteoporosis. Health experts advised against viewing drugs as a substitute for exercise, emphasizing the importance of physical activity in maintaining muscle mass and overall health.
Although the study did not specify the exact composition of the fat-free mass lost, ongoing research aims to evaluate the effects of injections on grip strength, a key indicator of frailty and osteoporosis.