- A latest examine discovered that semaglutide medicines, similar to Ozempic, could higher protect lean physique mass than tirzepatide medicines, similar to Mounjaro.
- This can be due partially to tirzepatide resulting in extra vital weight reduction.
- The findings present that sustaining a strength-training routine could assist cut back muscle loss when utilizing GLP-1s.
GLP-1 medication have exploded in reputation resulting from their capacity to advertise vital weight reduction. This class of medicines has helped remodel the way in which healthcare professionals deal with weight problems.
Semaglutide medicines, similar to Ozempic or Wegovy, and tirzepatide medicines, similar to Mounjaro and Zepbound, are the most well-liked GLP-1 medication for weight reduction.
A examine lately printed in medRxiv has proven that whereas tirzepatide seems to result in higher weight reduction, there could also be a trade-off of a better lack of lean physique mass than semaglutide.
Lean physique mass
This examine is a preprint and has not but been peer-reviewed in a scientific journal, however right here’s what the researchers discovered.
The researchers measured every participant’s lean physique mass earlier than and after starting their first prescription of both semaglutide or tirzepatide. They discovered that these on tirzepatide persistently confirmed a higher lack of lean physique mass.
Individuals on tirzepatide misplaced about 1.1% extra lean physique mass than these utilizing semaglutide within the first 3 months of utilizing the medicines. This elevated to 2% extra lean physique mass loss by 12 months.
“This discovering will not be completely shocking. Tirzepatide is mostly stronger than semaglutide, and with higher general weight reduction, you typically see a better diploma of lean mass loss as nicely,” stated Jeffrey Lee, MD, double board licensed plastic surgeon and founding father of JL Plastic Surgical procedure, who additionally prescribes GLP-1s. Lee was not concerned within the examine.
“In different phrases, the extra aggressive the load loss, the higher the probability that a few of that loss contains muscle, not simply fats,” Lee informed Healthline.
The examine emphasizes the significance of bodily exercise whereas taking GLP-1s.
Lee agreed. “Train (significantly energy coaching) performs a vital position in preserving lean muscle mass whereas on GLP-1 medicines,” he stated.
“I emphasize to my sufferers that each sufficient protein consumption and train are important for preserving muscle. Each cardio train and resistance coaching are extremely helpful,” added Mir Ali, MD, bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Middle at Orange Coast Medical Middle in Fountain Valley, CA. Ali wasn’t concerned within the examine.
Lee famous that resistance coaching indicators the physique to take care of muscle, even in a calorie deficit, and must be a core a part of any weight reduction plan utilizing GLP-1 medication.
Ali emphasised that sufficient protein consumption can be an necessary think about supporting muscle preservation.
“Simply as necessary is the tempo of weight reduction — slower, extra gradual weight discount tends to raised protect lean mass in comparison with speedy weight reduction. Because of this cautious dose titration and ongoing monitoring are key when utilizing GLP-1s,” Ali informed Healthline.
