A recent study has revealed that about 31.5% of the weight lost through popular weight loss injections comprises muscle and bone density. Experts emphasize the importance of incorporating exercise and lifestyle changes to maintain long-term weight loss success while using these injections. Appetite-suppressing injections have gained widespread popularity, with 2.5 million Britons currently using them and a projected increase in prescriptions in the future.
Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul reviewed 21 studies utilizing advanced scanners to analyze the distribution of weight loss in the body. The findings indicated that weight loss from injections resulted in a higher proportion of “fat-free mass” loss, including muscle and bone density, compared to weight loss from diet and exercise alone.
Co-author Professor Signe Torekov from the University of Copenhagen emphasized the significance of strategies aimed at preserving fat-free mass. Experts caution that discontinuing the injections due to side effects or financial constraints can lead to weight regain, particularly in fat mass, while muscle mass is not easily regained, making future weight loss more challenging.
The loss of bone density poses risks of osteoporosis and frailty in individuals as they age. It is recommended that individuals using weight loss injections also engage in strength training to prevent loss of bone and muscle mass. Studies on semaglutide, also known as Ozempic or Wegovy, have shown an increased risk of fractures associated with frailty, particularly in older women.
Professor Donna Ryan from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center underscores the importance of promoting exercise to protect muscle and bone health during weight loss. Weight loss injections work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to induce early satiety but may cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.
Experts highlight the critical role of body composition analysis in assessing the long-term effectiveness of weight loss injections. Studies on 1,334 participants revealed that weight loss from injections and surgery resulted in more significant fat-free mass loss compared to diet and exercise alone. Maintaining muscle and bone mass is essential to overall health and weight management.
Concerns over bone density loss are particularly relevant for women, as four out of five privately prescribed weight loss injections are for women who are at higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Health professionals emphasize that weight loss drugs should not replace physical activity, as exercise plays a vital role in maintaining muscle mass and overall well-being.
While the study did not specify the composition of the fat-free mass lost, ongoing research is examining the effects of injections on grip strength, a key indicator of frailty and osteoporosis.
