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Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a type of GLP-1/GIP medication. This medication has been approved to specifically be used to treat type 2 diabetes. Some patients are also prescribed this medication for off-label use for weight loss support. However, patients using the medication solely for this purpose may have some extra concerns. One of the primary growing concerns is whether or not the medication can lead to muscle loss as a result of causing rapid weight loss.
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Muscle may be lost with any weight loss method. It does not necessarily mean it is a direct result of the medication. This could also happen with weight loss from dieting or surgery. There have been some clinical trials that have directly studied the impact of Mounjaro on muscle loss. These trials have found that patients taking the medication may lose some of their lean muscle mass in addition to the fat loss they experience on Mounjaro. These trials found that most patients lost an average of 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of muscle mass for every 2.9-6.1 kg (6.4-13.4 lbs) of fat that they lost. The results showed that medication still mainly targets the patient’s fat tissue.
There are a few different reasons patients lose muscle in addition to fat. One of the main reasons is that losing weight would require the patient to put themselves into a calorie deficit. The patient can do this by consuming fewer calories or by burning calories through exercise. This calorie deficit may start to cause the body to begin metabolizing the muscles. This muscle can be lost without resistance training.
A lack of protein can also cause the body to lose muscle. Protein is also stored in the muscles. This is why eating a diet higher in protein can help patients maintain the muscle in their bodies. Muscle loss can happen regardless of whether the fat is lost quickly or gradually over time. However, losing fat at a more rapid rate can lead to more muscle loss because the body can outpace the maintenance of the muscles.
The general rule of weight loss is that those who do not accompany their weight loss with strength training may lose about 20-30% of their weight from muscle. Patients taking Mounjaro may see even more muscle loss if they are not taking the right preventative measures to stop it.
There are several reasons why taking the right measures to maintain muscle is necessary. This muscle mass is good for the body’s metabolic health and is linked to patients’ Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Those with more muscle are able to avoid calorie imbalances more easily and use less energy while the body is at rest. This also makes it easier to avoid obesity and weight gain long-term.
Those with better lean body mass can also fight illness more easily because of the protein stored in the body. This muscle also protects the bones from becoming weaker or more fragile. This means that maintaining this muscle can improve patients’ strength and bone density.
Patients may be able to figure out if they are losing muscle along with their fat while taking Mounjaro if they start experiencing certain signs. These signs might include feelings of fatigue or weakness when they are doing any physical activity. Patients might also notice a loss of strength or endurance and start being able to lift as much weight as they were previously able to. Some patients may also experience a more noticeable loss of muscle tone visually or feel softness. Patients’ metabolism may also begin to slow down and they may begin experiencing feelings of sluggishness and energy loss throughout the day.
There are several different measures that patients can take to prevent muscle loss while they are taking Mounjaro.
One of the best ways to prevent the body from losing an unhealthy amount of muscle is by making sure the body is getting enough protein. Some studies suggest that the body needs about 0.7–1.0 grams of protein for each pound a person weighs on a daily basis. This may vary from person to person based on what their healthcare provider tells them. Some patients may need more protein if they have a lower bone mineral density. It is best to spread this protein intake out throughout the day to make sure it is better synthesized throughout the body.
Experts suggest that patients should do between three and four circuits of resistance exercises per week and take rest days in between to give the muscles time to recover. These circuits can be made up of a variety of different exercises. It may include a mix of core exercises and cardio exercises. It may also include a mix of upper and lower body-focused exercises. Some common compound movement exercises that may be included are push-ups, squats, and deadlifts.
Calorie deficits may be necessary to lose weight. However, extreme deficits can increase muscle loss. This is why patients should try to stick to moderate calorie deficits and avoid too aggressive calorie restrictions. It may be beneficial for patients to work with their healthcare provider to figure out the best calorie plan for them and how to maintain it.
Patients can have a better idea of how well they are doing by keeping their muscles by monitoring their body composition. They can do this by using tools such as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans or smart scales. They may also be able to take other professional assessments to give them a better idea of how much lean mass they have lost compared to the amount of fat they have lost. This will let the patient know if they need to readjust their plan.
Some patients may be able to get some additional support by using creatine to help them with preserving their lean muscle mass. Supplements like creatine are also often used to increase strength and help with muscle recovery after physical activity. This may help with both energy levels and maintaining muscle. Patients should always make sure to talk to their healthcare provider first before starting a new supplement.
Semaglutide is another type of drug that helps with weight loss. Patients taking these medications—like Ozempic or Wegovy—also often have concerns about loss of muscle. Some studies have also been done with this medication to learn more about its connection to muscle loss. The results mostly showed that the medication itself is not directly responsible for the muscle loss. It is estimated that patients taking this medication experience about 20% of their weight loss from lean mass. However, this is also more likely the result of extreme and quick weight loss—not the medication itself.
No studies have suggested that Mounjaro causes any more muscle loss compared to other types of GLP-1 medications as long as the medication is being taken with the lifestyle changes it is supposed to be taken with. Lifestyle habits surrounding diet and exercise have more to do with muscle loss than any of these medications when patients are losing weight.
Patients should reach out to their healthcare provider if they start experiencing symptoms such as excessive fatigue or feelings of weakness while taking Mounjaro. These symptoms could be indications of muscle loss. This also includes symptoms of any unexpected changes to the body or changes in physical performance. Talking with a healthcare provider will allow the patient to get the guidance they need to stop this muscle loss by getting assistance with things such as customized nutrition plans and workout routines while they continue taking the medication.
Mounjaro may cause muscle loss. However, it can be prevented. It is very possible that a patient will lose muscle while taking Mounjaro if they are not accompanying the medication with the right diet and exercise plan. Muscles can be saved or built up by incorporating protein into the patient’s diet and making sure they are managing their calories the right way. Patients can also build and maintain muscle with routine resistance training. The long-term success of taking Mounjaro stems from the loss of fat and not the loss of muscle.
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Patients can build muscle while taking Mounjaro if they participate in a consistent strength training routine and maintain proper nutrition and protein intake.
Muscle loss can often be reversed through resistance training and increased protein intake. However, it can take some time.
Protein supplements can be helpful for adding extra protein to the patient’s diet and building muscle. It is best for patients to talk with their doctors before adding any supplement to their diet to make sure it is a good fit for the patient.
Compound strength exercises are especially effective at maintaining muscle. This includes exercises like squats and push-ups. It also includes exercises like deadlifts and lunges. Patients should do resistance training 3–4 times per week and focus on both upper and lower body muscle groups.
Written & Reviewed By
The MyRx Team
The MyRx Outlet team is a dedicated group of healthcare professionals and pharmacists dedicated to delivering up-to-date and accurate information on medications and key healthcare topics. With years of experience in the healthcare field, our team is passionate about supporting individuals in reaching their health and wellness goals through our articles.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. It should not be taken as an endorsement of any specific medication or treatment. Individual health conditions and responses to treatment can vary greatly; therefore, this information should not be seen as a guarantee of safety, suitability, or effectiveness for any particular individual. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment plans.
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