Will you lose lean muscle mass if you are on GLP-1 weight loss drugs?
Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to use his daily newsletter to share different workouts, diet tips, and answers questions that many might be thinking. Recently, Arnold touched on GLP-1 weight-loss supplements and how they impact muscle mass.
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The overall belief is that if you take different drugs, like Ozempic or Wegovy, it will lead to losing muscle. Schwarzenegger dove into it further.
“Critics say you’ll lose more muscle than fat and tank your metabolism for good. But is that the whole story? Although muscle loss can happen, it’s preventable and often overstated.”
Schwarzenegger has done many things over the years to improve his health, including changing his diet plans. He is also interested in the impact that it has on the environment. He mentions that pollution is a major factor in the United States. Schwarzenegger claims that eating less meat means that less and less forests will be cleared, ultimately creating more food for animals.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Talks GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs
Weight-loss drugs have swept the nation recently as many use this aid to drop unwanted weight. The common misconception is that it would also lead to muscle loss. Arnold discussed the impact that it has.
“In clinical trials, people using semaglutide lost about 30% of their total weight, primarily from lean mass. This may sound alarming, but it is a normal occurrence when people lose a significant amount of weight, not just with medication.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger took a look at research that combined semaglutide with a high-protein diet and resistance training. This preserved more muscle while still losing fat.
“Semaglutide helps reduce appetite and improve insulin sensitivity. While extreme caloric restriction can suppress resting metabolic rate, semaglutide’s effect appears to be more modest and manageable, especially when combined with strength training and a balanced diet.”
This is the main way to keep muscle intact. Arnold shares that it will also help keep strength at a high level. The most important thing to do is workout regularly and take in enough protein.
“When you lose a significant amount of weight, you can lose muscle if you don’t prioritize resistance training or eat enough protein. Lift weight, aim for at least 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of your target bodyweight, and prioritize nutrient-dense foods.”
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