Skeletal muscle well being amid rising use of weight reduction drugs

Dr. Stephen Hemsfield, professor of metabolism and physique composition, and Dr. M. Cristina Gonzalez, Assistant and Visiting Professor of Physique Composition and Metabolism, each from the Pennington Biomedical Analysis Centre, to colleagues Dr. Carla Prado of the College of Alberta, and Dr. Stuart Phillips of McMaster College for authorship. The scalpel Commentary titled “Muscle Issues: Results of Medically Induced Weight Loss on Skeletal Muscle.”

The authors assert that muscle loss, as measured by a lower in lean mass, can account for 25 to 39 p.c of complete weight reduction over a interval of 36 to 72 weeks. This price of muscle deterioration is way larger than what is often noticed with non-pharmacological calorie restriction or regular ageing and may result in unintended damaging well being penalties.

Regardless of the promising metabolic advantages related to GLP-1 receptor agonists, together with enhancements in adipose-to-lean tissue ratios, the potential opposed results of muscle loss are receiving consideration. Skeletal muscle performs crucial roles not solely in bodily energy and performance but in addition in metabolic well being and regulation of the immune system.

Low muscle mass has been linked to decreased immunity, elevated threat of an infection, poor glucose regulation, and different well being dangers. The authors be aware that muscle loss resulting from low weight could exacerbate situations similar to morbid weight problems, which is prevalent amongst overweight people and contributes to poor well being outcomes, together with heart problems and better mortality charges.

Whereas the short-term results of muscle loss on bodily energy and performance stay unclear, the commentary requires future analysis to discover how decreased muscle mass can enhance muscle composition and high quality. The authors emphasize the necessity for a multimodal strategy to weight reduction therapy, combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with train and dietary interventions to protect muscle mass.

“We’ve got to bear in mind the uncomfortable side effects we see with newer weight reduction drugs, similar to an individual consuming much less whereas taking the drugs and never getting the correct amount of dietary nutritional vitamins and minerals,” Dr. Hemsfield stated. “Additionally, when an individual loses weight, they not solely lose fats, however additionally they lose muscle. We’re taking a look at how you can higher handle muscle loss by consuming enough protein with the optimum quantity of train.”

This evolving dialog underscores the significance of making certain that weight reduction interventions promote total well being, together with muscle preservation, as a part of a complete weight problems therapy technique.