1. Do GLP-1 medications cause muscle loss?

GLP-1 medications do not directly cause muscle loss, but research shows that some reduction in lean mass commonly occurs during weight loss with GLP-1 use. This is primarily due to reduced calorie and protein intake rather than a direct effect on muscle tissue itself.

2. Is lean mass the same as muscle?

No. Lean mass includes skeletal muscle, but also includes water, glycogen, connective tissue, and organ tissue. Because glycogen and water decrease during weight loss, reductions in lean mass do not automatically mean equivalent losses in functional muscle.

3. Are women more affected by muscle loss?

Women may be more vulnerable to muscle-related changes during GLP-1 use due to lower baseline muscle mass, hormonal changes (especially during perimenopause and menopause), and age-related muscle decline. This makes muscle preservation strategies particularly important in women. [EDIT ADDED] Worth noting: this answer is currently based on general menopause and body-composition physiology rather than a GLP-1 trial that directly tested women as a distinct group. One semaglutide study with a mostly-female cohort (SEMALEAN, ~69% women) did find greater fat mass loss in women as a subgroup, but did not report lean-mass outcomes broken out by sex — so a direct answer to "are women more affected by lean mass loss on GLP-1s specifically" isn't yet well established in the literature.

4. Can GLP-1s lead to sarcopenia?

GLP-1s are not shown to directly cause sarcopenia, but rapid weight loss combined with inadequate protein intake and lack of resistance training may increase risk factors associated with sarcopenia, especially in midlife and older women.

5. Can women maintain muscle while taking GLP-1s?

Yes. Research suggests muscle function can be preserved with appropriate strategies such as adequate protein intake, resistance training, and overall nutritional adequacy, even when lean mass measurements decline.

6. Why does lean mass decrease during weight loss?

Lean mass often decreases due to reduced glycogen stores and the water stored with glycogen, along with some loss of tissue during energy restriction. This is a normal physiological response to weight loss, especially when calorie intake drops significantly.

7. Does GLP-1 affect muscle strength?

Current research suggests that muscle strength may be maintained or even improved in some individuals, despite reductions in lean mass. Studies have shown improvements in measures like handgrip strength and physical function in certain populations.

8. What helps preserve muscle during GLP-1 therapy?

Key strategies include adequate protein intake (often above the RDA during weight loss), consistent resistance training, and ensuring overall nutritional adequacy while appetite is reduced.

9. Are muscle changes reversible?

Yes. Because much of the early "lean mass" loss is related to glycogen and water shifts, and because muscle function can be preserved, many changes can be improved or reversed with proper nutrition, training, and recovery after weight stabilization.

THE WELLNEST • Research • GLP-1

GLP-1s and Muscle Mass: What Research Suggests About Lean Mass, Strength, and Women’s Health

By Olivia Yorizzo, RD

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Scientifically Reviewed By

Jennifer Martin-Biggers, PhD, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

What is The Relationship Between Glp-1 And Muscle Mass? ?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that act like a natural gut hormone that helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. They work on the brain, gut, and pancreas to lower hunger and slow how quickly food leaves the stomach, which can lead to eating less and losing weight. They're effective for improving metabolic health and fat loss, but it's also important to pay attention to possible changes in lean muscle and overall body composition during weight loss.

What the research shows

Receptor agonists lead to meaningful, dose-dependent weight loss, mainly by lowering appetite and overall energy intake Most of the weight lost is from fat mass, based on clinical trial data.
Lean mass can also decrease, but it's generally proportional to total weight loss and similar to what's seen with calorie restriction
Muscle strength and physical function are often maintained, suggesting muscle quality may stay relatively preserved
Key factors that help protect lean mass during GLP-1 therapy include adequate protein intake, resistance training, and a slower, more sustainable rate of weight loss

Evidence level: High Evidence

Appropriate for

Women using GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management who want to understand body composition changes during treatment
Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women concerned about preserving muscle mass, strength, and metabolic health during weight loss
Clinicians, dietitians, and health professionals supporting patients using GLP-1 medications and addressing nutrition, protein intake, and resistance training strategies

Requires medical consultation:

Individuals with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease, depending on clinical guidance and medication-specific contraindications
Add another Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, due to insufficient safety data on GLP-1 receptor agonist use in these populations here.
Individuals with eating disorders or clinically significant disordered eating patterns, where appetite suppression and weight loss may increase medical risk

Research timeline & expectations

Typical study duration: 12–68 weeks (most RCTs range from ~3 months to 1.5 years depending on agent and dose)
Observable changes: 4–8 weeks for early weight and appetite-related changes 12–24 weeks for measurable body composition shifts (fat mass and lean mass changes detectable on DXA) 24+ weeks for more stable patterns in muscle function and metabolic adaptation
Effect magnitude: Moderate to substantial for weight and fat mass reduction. Subtle for lean mass reduction relative to total weight loss.
Context dependency: Outcomes are influenced by protein intake adequacy, resistance training participation, rate and magnitude of weight loss, baseline muscle mass and age (particularly in midlife and menopause), hormonal status, and overall energy and micronutrient sufficiency.

What Science Says About GLP-1 and Muscle Mass GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic a gut hormone involved in regulating appetite, energy intake, and post-meal blood sugar control through both central and peripheral pathways. Beyond their metabolic effects, emerging research is focused on how they influence body composition, particularly the balance between fat mass loss and lean tissue changes during pharmacologically driven weight loss. This is especially relevant in women, where hormonal fluctuations and differences in baseline skeletal muscle mass may play a role in overall body composition outcomes.

Lean mass is not the same as skeletal muscle. Lean mass includes muscle, water, connective tissue, and organs, so decreases in lean mass do not necessarily reflect declines in muscle strength or physical function. When interpreting GLP-1 studies, measures of muscle function and overall body composition are often more informative than lean mass alone.

Key Dietary or Lifestyle Modulators

Body composition outcomes during GLP-1 therapy are strongly influenced by protein intake, resistance training, total energy intake, and the rate of weight loss. These factors determine whether weight loss is predominantly fat mass or includes a greater proportion of lean tissue.

Biological Mechanism GLP-1 receptor activation reduces energy intake through central nervous system appetite regulation while simultaneously altering peripheral nutrient handling, leading to sustained negative energy balance and downstream changes in fat and lean tissue compartments.

Step 1: Central Appetite Suppression GLP-1 receptor agonists work by activating receptors in the hypothalamus and brainstem, which helps increase satiety signals and reduce hunger. As a result, people tend to naturally eat less without needing to consciously restrict food intake.
Step 2: Energy Deficit and Substrate Utilization Lower energy intake creates a consistent calorie deficit, which prompts the body to use stored energy for fuel. Fat is the primary source that gets used, but glycogen stores and the water tied to them also decrease, which can show
Step 3: up as changes in body composition measurements.

Tissue-Level Adaptations Muscle system: lean mass may decrease with energy deficit and lower protein intake Metabolic system: insulin sensitivity and glucose handling generally improve despite weight loss Musculoskeletal system: strength is often maintained even when DXA shows some lean mass reduction Overall, GLP-1–induced weight loss consistently reduces fat mass, while effects on lean mass are more variable, so muscle function matters just as much as body composition when looking at outcomes.

Nutrients & Dietary Patterns Studied for GLP-1 and Muscle Mass

1.High Protein Intake

Evidence grade: High Evidence

Mechanism: Adequate protein supports muscle protein synthesis through mTOR signaling and helps maintain nitrogen balance during periods of calorie deficit. With GLP-1–related appetite suppression, overall protein intake can unintentionally drop, making protein quality and consistency even more important for preserving lean tissue.

Clinical findings: Across RCTs and systematic reviews on incretin-based weight loss therapies, higher protein intake is consistently linked with better preservation of fat-free mass. Meta-analyses suggest that ~20–40% of total weight loss may come from lean mass, but this proportion is lower when protein intake is adequate. Studies in GLP-1–treated and diet-induced weight loss populations show that intakes around ~1.2–2.0 g/kg/day help reduce lean mass loss, especially when paired with resistance training. [EDIT ADDED] Important caveat: the specific 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day figure is extrapolated from general muscle-preservation research during weight loss and aging (e.g., Phillips & Van Loon, 2011; Morton et al., 2018; Pasiakos et al., 2015) — none of which were conducted in people specifically taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. This is a reasonable, evidence-informed extrapolation, but it should be presented to the reader as extrapolated guidance rather than a GLP-1-specific finding, since appetite suppression and altered gut motility on these medications could plausibly change how much protein people can practically consume or tolerate at a given intake level.

Practical application: Target protein intake of approximately 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day, distributed evenly across meals. Prioritize high-leucine, high-quality protein sources (e.g., dairy, eggs, fish, lean meats, soy) to optimize muscle protein synthesis, especially in the context of reduced appetite from GLP-1 therapy. Given reduced appetite and potential early satiety/GI side effects, protein-dense, lower-volume foods and distributing intake across smaller, more frequent meals may help patients reach these targets in practice.

2. Resistance Training

Evidence grade: Moderate Evidence

Mechanism: Resistance training stimulates muscle protein synthesis through mechanical tension, which activates mTOR and satellite cell signaling pathways. This mechanical loading helps preserve, and in some cases increase, skeletal muscle mass even when the body is in a sustained calorie deficit.

Clinical findings: Across weight loss trials (including pharmacologically induced and lifestyle-induced deficits), resistance training is consistently associated with greater preservation of lean mass compared to non-exercise controls, with some analyses suggesting a 30–50% reduction in lean mass loss magnitude. In GLP-1–specific and incretin-based body composition analyses, individuals engaging in structured resistance training show improved maintenance of fat-free mass and better preservation of functional outcomes such as strength.

Practical application: Engage in 2–4 resistance training sessions per week, focusing on progressive overload targeting major muscle groups. Emphasize compound movements and consistency rather than high training volume during active weight loss phases.

3. Energy Intake Patterning / Rate of Weight Loss

Evidence grade: Emerging Evidence

Mechanism: The rate and magnitude of energy deficit influence how the body uses fuel, with rapid weight loss increasing reliance on both fat and lean tissue stores. Gradual energy restriction allows for greater metabolic adaptation and a more favorable shift toward fat oxidation.

Clinical findings: Systematic reviews of body composition changes during weight loss consistently show that faster rates of weight loss are associated with greater proportional lean mass loss, regardless of intervention type. In GLP-1 clinical trials, variability in weight loss trajectory is a key determinant of lean mass outcomes, with more gradual responders demonstrating more favorable body composition partitioning. [EDIT ADDED] A recent preprint analysis of real-world data (not yet peer-reviewed — see Citation List) found that tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist associated with larger absolute weight loss, was linked to greater proportional lean mass loss than semaglutide at every time point measured over 12 months, with the gap widening among patients losing the most total weight. This is consistent with, and adds real-world texture to, the general "faster/larger loss → more lean mass loss" pattern described in this section, but as a preprint it hasn't yet been through peer review and should be treated as preliminary.

Practical application: Where clinically appropriate, aim for a moderate, sustained rate of weight loss rather than rapid reduction. Maintain nutritional adequacy throughout periods of appetite suppression to avoid unintentionally under-consuming protein and total energy.

Safety & Considerations

General Guidelines

Gradual dose escalation of GLP-1 receptor agonists is commonly used in clinical practice to improve gastrointestinal tolerance and reduce nausea, vomiting, and early satiety-related discomfort. Adequate hydration and electrolyte intake are important due to reduced food and fluid intake during appetite suppression, particularly in early treatment phases. Protein intake should be intentionally prioritized, as reduced appetite may lead to unintentional underconsumption of protein and micronutrients, increasing risk for lean mass loss during weight reduction.

Populations Requiring Medical Consultation

Individuals with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease, as GLP-1 receptor agonists may exacerbate GI symptoms or require careful risk–benefit evaluation.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, due to insufficient safety data on GLP-1 receptor agonist use during pregnancy and lactation.
Individuals with eating disorders or active disordered eating behaviors, as appetite suppression and weight loss may worsen restrictive patterns or nutritional instability.
Older adults or individuals with pre-existing sarcopenia or frailty, due to increased vulnerability to lean mass loss during rapid weight reduction without adequate nutritional and resistance training support.

Medication Interactions

GLP-1 receptor agonists may delay gastric emptying, which can alter the absorption kinetics of orally administered medications. While clinically significant interactions are uncommon, monitoring is recommended for medications with narrow therapeutic windows.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. GLP-1 medications and related nutrition or lifestyle strategies should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Always consult a clinician before making changes to medication, diet, or exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do GLP-1 medications cause muscle loss?: GLP-1 medications do not directly cause muscle loss, but research shows that some reduction in lean mass commonly occurs during weight loss with GLP-1 use. This is primarily due to reduced calorie and protein intake rather than a direct effect on muscle tissue itself.
2. Is lean mass the same as muscle?: No. Lean mass includes skeletal muscle, but also includes water, glycogen, connective tissue, and organ tissue. Because glycogen and water decrease during weight loss, reductions in lean mass do not automatically mean equivalent losses in functional muscle.
3. Are women more affected by muscle loss?: Women may be more vulnerable to muscle-related changes during GLP-1 use due to lower baseline muscle mass, hormonal changes (especially during perimenopause and menopause), and age-related muscle decline. This makes muscle preservation strategies particularly important in women. [EDIT ADDED] Worth noting: this answer is currently based on general menopause and body-composition physiology rather than a GLP-1 trial that directly tested women as a distinct group. One semaglutide study with a mostly-female cohort (SEMALEAN, ~69% women) did find greater fat mass loss in women as a subgroup, but did not report lean-mass outcomes broken out by sex — so a direct answer to “are women more affected by lean mass loss on GLP-1s specifically” isn’t yet well established in the literature.
4. Can GLP-1s lead to sarcopenia?: GLP-1s are not shown to directly cause sarcopenia, but rapid weight loss combined with inadequate protein intake and lack of resistance training may increase risk factors associated with sarcopenia, especially in midlife and older women.
5. Can women maintain muscle while taking GLP-1s?: Yes. Research suggests muscle function can be preserved with appropriate strategies such as adequate protein intake, resistance training, and overall nutritional adequacy, even when lean mass measurements decline.
6. Why does lean mass decrease during weight loss?: Lean mass often decreases due to reduced glycogen stores and the water stored with glycogen, along with some loss of tissue during energy restriction. This is a normal physiological response to weight loss, especially when calorie intake drops significantly.
7. Does GLP-1 affect muscle strength?: Current research suggests that muscle strength may be maintained or even improved in some individuals, despite reductions in lean mass. Studies have shown improvements in measures like handgrip strength and physical function in certain populations.
8. What helps preserve muscle during GLP-1 therapy?: Key strategies include adequate protein intake (often above the RDA during weight loss), consistent resistance training, and ensuring overall nutritional adequacy while appetite is reduced.
9. Are muscle changes reversible?: Yes. Because much of the early “lean mass” loss is related to glycogen and water shifts, and because muscle function can be preserved, many changes can be improved or reversed with proper nutrition, training, and recovery after weight stabilization.

Primary Source Evidence Evidence base for this article: This analysis synthesizes findings from 11 peer-reviewed clinical studies, including 6 randomized controlled trials and 5 systematic reviews/meta-analyses. All research is published in PubMed- and PMC-indexed journals, with supporting DOI-linked or database-traceable references evaluating GLP-1 receptor agonists and body composition outcomes, including lean mass, fat mass, and functional performance measures. [EDIT ADDED] This summary line will need updating once the flagged citations below are resolved — as it stands, at least two entries were not peer-reviewed journal articles (one Reuters news piece, one preprint), which doesn’t match the “all PubMed/PMC-indexed” claim made here.

What We're Still Learning: Current Research Gaps

Long-term effects (>2 years) of GLP-1

Receptor agonists on true skeletal muscle preservation versus DXA-derived lean mass changes are still not well established, especially during weight maintenance phases It is not yet fully clear how well muscle strength and neuromuscular function are preserved independent of changes in lean mass, highlighting the need for more detailed functional and imaging-based research (e.g., MRI, biopsy, performance testing)

Optimal protein intake

Thresholds and resistance training prescriptions specifically for individuals using GLP-1 therapies have not yet been standardized in clinical guidelines

The long-term effects of GLP-1–induced weight loss on bone mineral density

Connective tissue health, and frailty risk remain an active area of ongoing research Whether the general 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day protein target (drawn from non-GLP-1 populations) actually holds up as optimal once GLP-1-specific dosing trials are run

Primary Source Evidence

Briefly describe the evidence base for this article — number of studies, study types, and where they are indexed.

📚 View Full Citation List (28 studies)

The impact of menopause on body composition and metabolic health (2018). Ahuja M, Moore C. Maturitas. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.10.001
Effect of semaglutide on body composition and lean mass: A systematic review of clinical trials (2024). Bikou A, Dermiki-Gkana F, Penteris M, Constantinides TK, Kontogiorgis C. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. doi:10.1080/14656566.2024.2340389
Evidence-based recommendations for optimal dietary protein intake in older people: A position paper from the PROT-AGE Study Group (2013). Bauer J, Biolo G, Cederholm T, Cesari M, Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Morley JE, Phillips S, Sieber C, Stehle P, Teta D, Visvanathan R, Volpi E, Boirie Y. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2013.05.021
Factors associated with percent change in body composition following weight loss: A systematic review (2008). Chaston TB, Dixon JB. International Journal of Obesity. doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.119
Sarcopenia: Revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis (2019). Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Bahat G, Bauer J, Boirie Y, Bruyère O, Cederholm T, Cooper C, Landi F, Rolland Y, Sayer AA, Schneider SM, Sieber CC, Topinkova E, Vandewoude M, Visser M, Zamboni M. Age and Ageing. doi:10.1093/ageing/afy169
Characterizing body composition modifying effects of a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor-based agonist: A meta-analysis (2025). Jiao R, Lin C, Cai X, Wang J, Wang Y, Lv F, Yang W, Ji L. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. doi:10.1111/dom.15976
Sarcopenia: An undiagnosed condition in older adults (2011). Fielding RA, Vellas B, Evans WJ, Bhasin S, Morley JE, Newman AB, Abellan van Kan G, Andrieu S, Bauer J, Breuille D, Cederholm T, Chandler J, De Meynard C, Donini L, Harris T, Kanis J, Kjær M, Landi F, Rolland Y, Zamboni M. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2011.01.003
The impact of lifestyle-based weight loss in older adults with obesity on muscle and bone health: a balancing act (2025). Cortes TM, Chae K, Foy CM, Houston DK, Beavers KM. Obesity. doi:10.1002/oby.24232
Investigating nutrient intake during use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist: a cross-sectional study (2025). Johnson B, Milstead M, Thomas O, McGlasson T, Green L, Kreider R, Jones R. Frontiers in Nutrition. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1566498
Changes in regional body fat and muscle mass during the menopausal transition (2019). Greendale GA, Sowers M, Han W, Huang MH, Finkelstein JS, Crandall CJ, Lee JS, Karlamangla AS; SWAN Study Group. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. doi:10.1210/jc.2019-00730
What is the required energy deficit per unit weight loss? (2008). Hall KD. International Journal of Obesity. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803720
Maintaining energy balance in the face of weight loss (2008). Hall KD, Jordan PN. International Journal of Obesity. doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.203
Mechanisms, pathophysiology, and management of obesity (2017). Heymsfield SB, Wadden TA. New England Journal of Medicine. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1514009
Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (2022). Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, et al.. New England Journal of Medicine. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
Effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and co-agonists on body composition: Systematic review and network meta-analysis (2025). Karakasis P, Patoulias D, Fragakis N, Mantzoros CS. Metabolism. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2024.156113
Lean Mass Changes With Incretin Therapy Versus Lifestyle Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials (2026). Eisa N, Barood O. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. doi:10.1111/dom.70336
The influence of sex hormones on obesity across the female life span (2003). Lovejoy JC. Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine. doi:10.1089/154099903322643964
Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity: A Joint Advisory From the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Obesity Society (2025). Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, Alexander L, Apovian CM, Bindlish S, Bonnet J, Butsch WS, Christensen S, Gianos E, Gulati M, Gupta A, Horn D, Kane RM, Saluja J, Sannidhi D, Fatima Cody S, Callahan EA. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. PMID:15598276251344827
A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of protein supplementation and resistance training on muscle mass and strength [NOTE: general muscle-preservation literature; not GLP-1-specific] (2018). Morton RW, Murphy KT, McKellar SR, Schoenfeld BJ, Henselmans M, Helms E, Aragon AA, Devries MC, Banfield L, Krieger JW, Phillips SM. British Journal of Sports Medicine. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608
The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults [NOTE: general muscle-preservation literature; not GLP-1-specific] (2015). Pasiakos SM, McLellan TM, Lieberman HR. FASEB Journal. doi:10.1096/fj.14-263079
Dietary protein for athletes: From requirements to optimum adaptation [NOTE: athlete-population review; not GLP-1 or weight-loss specific — caveat required if cited for 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day figure] (2011). Phillips SM, Van Loon LJC. Journal of Sports Sciences. doi:10.1080/02640414.2011.619204
Greater lean-body-mass decline with tirzepatide than semaglutide in routine care, revealed by body-composition digital phenotyping [PREPRINT — verify full author list; update citation if/when peer-reviewed] (2026). Gibson MC, Soundararajan V. medRxiv. PMID:10648982026041126350687
Body composition changes with semaglutide: A systematic review and meta-analysis [PREPRINT — check periodically for peer-reviewed publication] (2025). Giorelli G, Mizumoto M, Sartoretto S, Giorelli S, Giorelli P, Bedin-Pochini A, Toledo D, Barreto G, Saunders B. medRxiv. PMID:1011012025092925336760
Evidence for resistance training as a treatment therapy in obesity (2011). Strasser B, Schobersberger W. Obesity Reviews. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2010.00745.x
A systematic review of weight loss interventions and changes in lean body mass (2010). Weinheimer EM, Sands LP, Campbell WW. Obesity Reviews. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2009.00679.x
Resistance training is medicine: Effects of strength training on health (2012). Westcott WL. Current Sports Medicine Reports. doi:10.1249/JSR.0b013e31825dabb8
Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (2021). Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, et al.. New England Journal of Medicine. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
Impact of semaglutide on fat mass, lean mass and muscle function in patients with obesity: The SEMALEAN study [NOTE: 68.9% female cohort; reports sex-based subgroup for fat mass only — does not break out lean-mass outcomes by sex specifically] (2025). Alissou M, Demangeat T, Folope V, Van Elslande H, Lelandais H, Blanchemaison J, Cailleaux PE, Guney S, Aupetit A, Aubourg A, Rapp C, Petit A, Godin M, Vignal L, Grigioni S, Déchelotte P, Colange G, Coëffier M, Achamrah N. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. doi:10.1111/dom.70141

Primary Source Evidence

Briefly describe the evidence base for this article — number of studies, study types, and where they are indexed.

📚 View Full Citation List (28 studies)

The impact of menopause on body composition and metabolic health (2018). Ahuja M, Moore C. Maturitas. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.10.001
Effect of semaglutide on body composition and lean mass: A systematic review of clinical trials (2024). Bikou A, Dermiki-Gkana F, Penteris M, Constantinides TK, Kontogiorgis C. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. doi:10.1080/14656566.2024.2340389
Evidence-based recommendations for optimal dietary protein intake in older people: A position paper from the PROT-AGE Study Group (2013). Bauer J, Biolo G, Cederholm T, Cesari M, Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Morley JE, Phillips S, Sieber C, Stehle P, Teta D, Visvanathan R, Volpi E, Boirie Y. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2013.05.021
Factors associated with percent change in body composition following weight loss: A systematic review (2008). Chaston TB, Dixon JB. International Journal of Obesity. doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.119
Sarcopenia: Revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis (2019). Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Bahat G, Bauer J, Boirie Y, Bruyère O, Cederholm T, Cooper C, Landi F, Rolland Y, Sayer AA, Schneider SM, Sieber CC, Topinkova E, Vandewoude M, Visser M, Zamboni M. Age and Ageing. doi:10.1093/ageing/afy169
Characterizing body composition modifying effects of a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor-based agonist: A meta-analysis (2025). Jiao R, Lin C, Cai X, Wang J, Wang Y, Lv F, Yang W, Ji L. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. doi:10.1111/dom.15976
Sarcopenia: An undiagnosed condition in older adults (2011). Fielding RA, Vellas B, Evans WJ, Bhasin S, Morley JE, Newman AB, Abellan van Kan G, Andrieu S, Bauer J, Breuille D, Cederholm T, Chandler J, De Meynard C, Donini L, Harris T, Kanis J, Kjær M, Landi F, Rolland Y, Zamboni M. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2011.01.003
The impact of lifestyle-based weight loss in older adults with obesity on muscle and bone health: a balancing act (2025). Cortes TM, Chae K, Foy CM, Houston DK, Beavers KM. Obesity. doi:10.1002/oby.24232
Investigating nutrient intake during use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist: a cross-sectional study (2025). Johnson B, Milstead M, Thomas O, McGlasson T, Green L, Kreider R, Jones R. Frontiers in Nutrition. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1566498
Changes in regional body fat and muscle mass during the menopausal transition (2019). Greendale GA, Sowers M, Han W, Huang MH, Finkelstein JS, Crandall CJ, Lee JS, Karlamangla AS; SWAN Study Group. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. doi:10.1210/jc.2019-00730
What is the required energy deficit per unit weight loss? (2008). Hall KD. International Journal of Obesity. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803720
Maintaining energy balance in the face of weight loss (2008). Hall KD, Jordan PN. International Journal of Obesity. doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.203
Mechanisms, pathophysiology, and management of obesity (2017). Heymsfield SB, Wadden TA. New England Journal of Medicine. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1514009
Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (2022). Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, et al.. New England Journal of Medicine. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
Effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and co-agonists on body composition: Systematic review and network meta-analysis (2025). Karakasis P, Patoulias D, Fragakis N, Mantzoros CS. Metabolism. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2024.156113
Lean Mass Changes With Incretin Therapy Versus Lifestyle Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials (2026). Eisa N, Barood O. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. doi:10.1111/dom.70336
The influence of sex hormones on obesity across the female life span (2003). Lovejoy JC. Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine. doi:10.1089/154099903322643964
Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity: A Joint Advisory From the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Obesity Society (2025). Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, Alexander L, Apovian CM, Bindlish S, Bonnet J, Butsch WS, Christensen S, Gianos E, Gulati M, Gupta A, Horn D, Kane RM, Saluja J, Sannidhi D, Fatima Cody S, Callahan EA. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. PMID:15598276251344827
A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of protein supplementation and resistance training on muscle mass and strength [NOTE: general muscle-preservation literature; not GLP-1-specific] (2018). Morton RW, Murphy KT, McKellar SR, Schoenfeld BJ, Henselmans M, Helms E, Aragon AA, Devries MC, Banfield L, Krieger JW, Phillips SM. British Journal of Sports Medicine. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608
The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults [NOTE: general muscle-preservation literature; not GLP-1-specific] (2015). Pasiakos SM, McLellan TM, Lieberman HR. FASEB Journal. doi:10.1096/fj.14-263079
Dietary protein for athletes: From requirements to optimum adaptation [NOTE: athlete-population review; not GLP-1 or weight-loss specific — caveat required if cited for 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day figure] (2011). Phillips SM, Van Loon LJC. Journal of Sports Sciences. doi:10.1080/02640414.2011.619204
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