GLP-1 medications show weight loss challenges regarding muscle mass and maintenance

Recent clinical data and European medical guidelines highlight both the benefits and challenges of GLP-1 class medications, such as semaglutide, in treating obesity. While these drugs are recognized by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Renal Association (ERA) as tools to protect heart and kidney health, studies reveal significant impacts on body composition.

Data from the STEP 1 study indicates that while semaglutide effectively reduces fat, approximately 40% of the weight lost can consist of lean muscle mass. Specifically, after 68 weeks of treatment resulting in a 15% average weight loss, lean mass decreased by 9.7%. Experts suggest that monitoring physical functionality and body composition is essential, particularly for elderly or sedentary patients.

Furthermore, studies such as OASIS 4 and extensions of STEP 1 address the difficulty of long-term maintenance. Oral semaglutide showed an average weight loss of 13.6% over 64 weeks, but patients regained an average of 11.6% of their weight one year after discontinuing the medication. Research suggests that supervised physical exercise and continuous lifestyle support are critical to preventing weight regain, especially as obesity is increasingly classified as a chronic, progressive disease.