New Study Suggests Weight-Loss Drug Ozempic Could Weaken Muscles Without Affecting Size
A groundbreaking study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that the popular weight-loss drug Ozempic could potentially weaken muscles, even when muscle size remains stable. This raises significant concerns, particularly for older adults who are already at risk for mobility issues.
Researchers from the University of Utah discovered that while Ozempic-induced weight loss decreased lean mass by about 10%, most of this loss did not come from skeletal muscles. Instead, it came from organs like the liver, which shrank by nearly half. However, the troubling discovery was that muscles may still lose strength despite maintaining their size.
“If we want to really help individuals who may be losing muscle mass, then we need to know that they’re actually losing muscle mass,” says Dr. Katsu Funai, senior author of the study.
The research emphasizes an urgent need for human clinical trials to fully understand these effects, particularly for adults over 60 who face higher baseline risks for muscle loss and reduced mobility.
The findings highlight that “the loss of physical function is a strong predictor of not just quality of life but longevity,” according to researchers. They stress that future weight-loss drug trials must consider measuring muscle strength alongside lean mass changes.
Source: ScienceDaily