Let's Unpack the Effects of GLP-1s on Muscle Mass

Research trials suggest that the use of GLP-1 weight loss medications can lead to a loss of lean muscle mass. Losing muscle can reduce strength and mobility and can affect other areas of overall health. Let's see what GOLO’s president, Jennifer Brooks, has to say on the importance of muscle mass.

Question: What is lean muscle mass, and why is it an important aspect of the GOLO plan?

Answer: Lean muscle mass is an essential component of the body, as it serves as an energy reserve and supports physical activity that requires mobility, strength, and balance. At GOLO, we prioritize the preservation of lean muscle mass because we recognize its importance and aim to help our users lose fat weight instead of muscle mass.

Q: Why are people on weight loss medications particularly susceptible to muscle loss?

A: In some cases, weight loss medications have been found to reduce muscle mass, which can lead to fatigue, injuries, decreased strength, and an increased risk of lower bone density. One way to address these issues is by improving your diet and exercising regularly; both are core components of our GOLO for Life® Plan.

Also, many weight loss medications can appear to prioritize the drug over lifestyle and behavioral changes, such as strength training exercises and improving eating habits. As a result, these important changes may not be emphasized with weight loss medications as much as they should be.

On the other hand, the GOLO for Life® Plan explains the importance of minimizing muscle loss and can help you create healthy new habits through lifestyle and behavioral changes.

Q: What is the impact of diet on reducing muscle loss?

A: As the saying goes, you are what you eat. This means that the food you consume plays a significant role in determining your overall health and well-being. As part of a comprehensive weight loss and wellness plan, people should follow a nutritious eating plan like the GOLO for Life® Plan, which focuses on lean proteins to minimize the risk of muscle loss.

This is particularly true for people on weight loss medications. When you don't consume the proper amount of nutrients for an extended period, your metabolic rate drops. This can lead to your body utilizing muscle tissue for energy, resulting in muscle wasting. Essentially, it's similar to your body going into starvation mode.

Q: Are older people taking weight loss medications more at risk of muscle loss?

A: It is especially important for older people who take weight loss medications to be aware of the risk of muscle loss. This is because older individuals tend to lose muscle faster than younger people. Many weight loss drugs work by reducing appetite, which can cause a decrease in caloric intake and potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies. Inadequate calorie and protein intake can speed up muscle wasting, especially in older adults who may already have compromised muscle health.

Q: What lifestyle and behavioral changes can help maintain muscle mass while losing weight?

A: Consuming a balanced diet that provides sufficient protein is crucial for preserving muscle mass during weight loss. Protein is the building block of muscle tissue and is necessary for muscle maintenance and repair.

Distributing protein intake evenly throughout the day is also recommended to optimize muscle protein synthesis. Combining a healthy protein intake with regular exercise and strength training can help you achieve your weight loss goals while maintaining your muscle mass and promoting improved health and wellness. Again, these are all key components of GOLO’s approach to safe and sustainable weight loss. 

Q: How can GOLO help people lose weight while maintaining muscle mass?

A: The GOLO for Life Plan is a weight loss program that promotes steady and healthy weight loss of one to two pounds per week. The Plan is designed to help you lose fat while maintaining muscle by eating well-balanced, nutrient-rich ingredients, making it an excellent choice for those looking to achieve optimal health.

Our eating plan also encourages eating enough protein to ensure you get all the nutrients necessary to maintain muscle mass and adequate fiber to help the digestive system.

Q: What Makes GOLO’s Approach Different?

A GOLO's approach to weight management focuses on encouraging and empowering people to embrace healthy lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, community support, and emotional well-being. Instead of relying on quick-fix drugs, injections, surgeries, or fad diets, we promote a holistic approach to weight loss and wellness. This approach can help individuals achieve lasting results and lead healthier, happier lives.

Q: Can people on weight loss medications benefit from the GOLO for Life Plan?

A: Anyone can benefit from the GOLO for Life Plan and the healthy eating component of it, which focuses on learning how to eat the right way and giving your body the proper nutrition it needs to improve your health and well-being. This is particularly true for people on weight loss drugs who can suffer from poor nutrition, resulting in health issues such as muscle loss.

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About Jennifer Brooks, President and Co-founder of GOLO

As president and co-founder of GOLO LLC, the nationally recognized wellness solutions company, Jennifer Brooks actively shapes the discussion around e-commerce and health and wellness.

Board certified in holistic nutrition and holding degrees in culinary arts and mind-body transformational psychology, Brooks’ unique perspective is one of the core elements of GOLO’s mission of empowering people by helping them transition to healthier lifestyles, whether by reaching their weight loss goals, gaining an understanding of how to incorporate exercise into their daily routines, or learning the basic principles of good nutrition.

This blog provides general information and discussion about health and wellness related subjects. The content provided in this blog and in any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. GOLO encourages you to consult a doctor before making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. GOLO is not responsible for any action you take or refrain from taking as a result of viewing or reading this blog. GOLO is not liable for any errors, losses, injuries, or damages associated with the use of this information.