Concerns Over Ozempic and Muscle Loss
Since gaining fame in Hollywood in 2021, GLP-1 drugs have maintained their popularity. Ozempic, often seen as the standout of these weight-loss medications, is currently only approved for treating type 2 diabetes. Yet, that hasn’t deterred many—celebrities and everyday users alike—from using it off-label to curb appetite. However, alongside its slimming effects, there are a range of potentially serious side effects, one of which has raised alarms among healthcare professionals.
Doctors Concerned About Muscle Loss Linked to Ozempic
Many medical experts are warning that without appropriate dietary guidelines, the use of GLP-1 drugs can lead to complications. “It’s a constant challenge to balance protein intake to meet nutritional needs while taking a drug that suppresses appetite,” noted anesthesiologist Nicole Martin, MD, during her Scrubs to Stilettos podcast.
This ongoing struggle can leave individuals “nutritionally deficient” or in a state described as “skinny fat,” meaning they may have a low body mass index (BMI) but a lack of muscle density. “When you cut calories, neglect nutrition, and don’t exercise, you end up losing lean muscle mass,” Tiffany Moon, MD, also a co-host on the podcast, explained.
As previously highlighted, “Strong muscles play a crucial role in preventing osteoporosis, protecting joints, promoting bone growth, and enhancing balance.” A study released in 2024 in JAMA Network Open noted that those who take GLP-1 drugs experienced reductions in muscle mass alongside increased bone mineral density.
This concerning side effect was recently highlighted in research by nutrition specialists from the University of Utah College of Health.
GLP-1 Medications Linked to a 10% Reduction in Lean Muscle Mass
A recent study featured in the journal Cell Metabolism found that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could reduce lean muscle mass by around 10 percent. A decrease in lean body mass—essentially the weight that isn’t fat—can impair energy levels and bone health, potentially compromising one’s physical abilities and overall quality of life, particularly in individuals at risk for sarcopenia, according to the researchers.
In studies using mouse models, researchers observed unfavorable changes in both lean mass and muscle function. Strikingly, they found that nearly 45 percent of weight lost was attributed to reductions in lean mass, with skeletal muscle size shrinking by six percent, and some muscle strength decreased as weight was lost.
The researchers ummed and erred about directly comparing these findings to humans, acknowledging that responses to weight changes can differ greatly between species.
Nevertheless, these findings lend weight to earlier hypotheses regarding Ozempic’s negative impact on lean muscle mass. This research also ties back to a 2023 AARP report, which indicated that “for every pound lost, approximately 25 percent comes from muscle and bone.”
Ozempic Linked to Bone Loss as Well
While age naturally brings about frailty in bones and muscles, medications like Ozempic can accelerate these changes, especially in individuals aged 65 and older. “Significant weight loss in a short period can lower bone density, heightening the risk of fractures or worsening conditions like osteoporosis,” HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, a clinical consultant, explained.
This can lead older adults to become more vulnerable to health complications, mobility issues, and further disability. As a result, many healthcare professionals are hesitant to endorse Ozempic for elderly patients.
