There is much information in the media right now about the impact of taking GLP-1 Agonists, a common obesity medicine, and maintaining muscle mass. In this episode, I hope to dispel some of the myths surrounding GLP-1 Agonists, explain how they help you lose weight, and explain what actually happens to your muscle mass when you stop taking this medication.

 

The 4 Pillars of Obesity Medicine

1. Exercise
2. Nutrition and Protein
3. Mindset Work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
4. Medication

 

How GLP-1 Agonists Work

GLP-1 Agonists work by slowing gastric emptying, the rate at which food will leave your stomach, therefore keeping you fuller for longer and aiding in appetite control. Sometimes, regardless of what you do, your genetics may impact your ability to lose weight.

GLP-1 Agonists can also help with leptin resistance and glycemic control. Both of these factors can impact your body’s weight, so addressing any issues you might have with them can make a big difference.

 

When to Stop Taking GLP-1 Agonists

Regardless of any medication you might be on, maintaining lean muscle mass by eating enough protein and strength training is one of the key components of obesity medicine. 

Some people will have an easier time stopping GLP-1 Agonists than others. For example, if you have a genetic reason, you might never come off the medication. And while many folks fear gaining weight back after coming off GLP-1 Agonists, if you’ve preserved your lean muscle mass, you won’t gain the weight back. If you haven’t, you probably will gain weight when you start to eat more.

By following the four pillars of obesity medicine, and especially focusing on getting enough protein and strength training, you set yourself up for a much more successful weight loss journey.

Are you on GLP-1 Agonists? How have they helped you? If you have any questions about your journey with GLP-1 Agonists, please let me know in the comments on the episode page.

 

In This Episode 

• What the media says about GLP-1 Agonists and muscle loss [4:15]
• How GLP-1 Agonists work [6:00]
• Some of the genetic reasons that might impact your appetite control [7:00]
• What happens when you have better glycemic control [10:00]
• How GLP-1 Agonists can help with leptin resistance [12:15]
• How to maintain lean muscle mass when taking GLP-1 Agonists [22:00]
• What happens when you come off GLP-1 Agonists [24:15]
• How following all the pillars will lead to better weight loss success [26:00]
• When you can come off GLP-1 Agonists [26:30]

 

Quotes

“Ladies who are in my programs who are on GLP-1 Agonists are not losing muscle mass.” [5:52]

“GLP-1 Agonists are going to help control appetite so that individuals can maintain a deficit long-term which is what’s needed for weight loss.” [9:15]

“When we are not optimizing our nutrition, particularly our protein consumption, and when we are not doing some kind of resistance and strength training, and we are in a deficit, we can lose up to 25% lean mass.” [13:01]

“Somebody who is not prioritizing muscle mass maintenance while they are losing body fat by doing the nutrition and exercise parameters will have a hard time coming off the medication. They might need it forever.” [25:10]

“If you maintain your lean mass, you may be able to come off GLP-1 Agonists and maintain your results if your appetite is under control and your glycemic control remains in this new great range that you’re in.” [29:16]

 

Resources

31 Days of FIT.  Learn more HERE.

Muscle Maintenance During Fat Loss. Waitlist HERE.

Fit Woman Collective™. Learn more HERE.

Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Subscribe to The Muscles and Mindset Podcast on Apple Podcasts

*** Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice ***

 

Related Episodes 

Episode 145: Nutrition Mistakes Preventing Optimal Weight Loss

Episode 144: Mindset Mistakes Preventing Optimal Weight Loss

Episode 57: Dr. Stierman on Breaking Up with the Scale