Archive · 30 Jul 2026
GLP-1 Drugs Risk Muscle Loss Without Proper Guidance
Scientists in India say that medicines called GLP‑1, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, can help people lose weight and protect their hearts.
But if people take them without a doctor’s help, they might lose muscle instead of just fat.
The doctors made a guide that says you should eat enough protein, drink plenty of water, and do strength exercises while on these medicines.
They also warned that people should not use these drugs just to look slimmer.
The guide is special for Indians because they usually have less muscle and eat more simple carbs.
The doctors hope that by following the guide, people can keep their muscles strong and stay healthy.
GLP‑1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro can cause significant muscle loss if not used under medical supervision.
Indian experts released a consensus recommending nutrition, hydration, and resistance exercise to preserve muscle during GLP‑1 therapy.
The consensus notes that 25‑40% of weight loss on GLP‑1 drugs may come from lean body mass.
Indians have lower baseline muscle mass and higher sarcopenia risk, making tailored guidance essential.
The panel warns against using GLP‑1 drugs solely for cosmetic weight loss and stresses ongoing exercise and diet after treatment ends.
- Who
- Indian endocrinologists and metabolic specialists
- What
- Consensus on preserving muscle during GLP-1 drug use
- When
- Published in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
- Where
- India
- Why
- To prevent muscle loss and address unique Indian metabolic characteristics during GLP‑1 therapy
- Drug names
- Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Muscle loss risk
- 25-40% of weight loss may be lean body mass
- Protein recommendation
- 1.2-1.5 g/kg body weight during therapy
- Target population
- Indian patients
- Consensus source
- Journal of the Association of Physicians of India (JAPI)