New Delhi, October 27 (IANS). Amid the increasing use of weight loss drugs, a new study has raised concerns about the decline in muscle mass due to these popular drugs.
In a recent commentary published in the journal ‘The Lancet’, researchers from the US and Canada have underlined the importance of muscle mass in the context of therapeutic weight loss. In this too, special attention has been paid to the widespread use of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
However, these drugs have proven to be very effective in treating obesity, which can lead to many diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. But they can also cause significant muscle loss during the weight loss process. Researchers from America’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Canada’s Alberta and McMaster Universities said this.
He said that in 36 to 72 weeks the total weight loss could be 25 to 39 percent muscle mass loss. While the role of muscles is not only to maintain physical strength and performance, it is also essential for metabolic health and regulation of the body’s immune system.
The team found that GLP-1 receptor agonists resulted in greater muscle loss. The researchers said it could cause “unintended negative health consequences.” That’s because people with less muscle mass have lower immunity and are more susceptible to infection, poor glucose control, and other health risks.
Most obese people lose muscle mass due to weight loss, which can lead to sarcopenic obesity. It is a condition characterized by both muscle weakness and overweight. It contributes to increased heart disease and mortality.
Dr. Steven Heymsfield, professor of metabolism and body composition at Pennington, urged people using weight loss drugs to “be aware of side effects.” While on the medications, people are “eating less and not getting the nutrition they need,” he said.
The researchers suggested that adequate amounts of protein and exercise should be considered along with medications to lose weight.
–IANS
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