Why Muscle Preservation Matters on GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have transformed weight loss, with clinical trials showing average reductions of 15-22% of body weight. But there's a critical issue that doesn't make the headlines: up to 40% of the weight lost can come from lean muscle mass, not fat.

This isn't just a cosmetic concern. Losing muscle while on GLP-1 therapy can lead to a slower metabolism (making weight regain more likely), reduced physical strength and function, increased risk of falls and injury, a condition researchers call "skinny fat" — lower weight but high body fat percentage.

The Science of Muscle Loss on GLP-1s

When your body is in a caloric deficit — which GLP-1 medications create by suppressing appetite — it doesn't exclusively burn fat for energy. Without adequate protein intake and resistance training, your body will break down muscle tissue for amino acids.

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that participants on semaglutide lost an average of 6.9 kg of lean mass alongside 8.4 kg of fat mass over 68 weeks. That's a concerning ratio.

How EverStrong Helps

EverStrong's approach combines AI-powered nutrition coaching with evidence-based supplementation to protect lean muscle mass during GLP-1 therapy. Our three pillars include: personalised protein targets (1.2-1.6g per kg of body weight), targeted supplementation with creatine, HMB, and essential amino acids, and AI coaching that adapts to your progress and medication schedule.