Is Labiaplasty Right for You? A Guide to Costs, Benefits, and Realistic Expectations
As GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have become increasingly popular, we’ve all heard about the stunning weight loss results they have to offer. Many individuals who have struggled with weight loss for years manage to shed up to 20% of body fat without extreme dieting or endless hours at the gym. Sounds incredible, right? But are there any downsides? Is it just fat that’s being lost with GLP-1s, or is loss of muscle mass a problem? Let’s dig into the details.
Whether you’re considering using a GLP-1, have already started the medication, or maybe you’ve just heard the hype, you probably know that patients across the nation and the world are shouting from the rooftops about this wonder drug.
Originally used for diabetes patients, some versions are also approved for weight management, and many individuals have seen stunning transformations in both their health and appearance through weight loss. By regulating insulin, blood sugar, and the appetite-controlling hormone, ghrelin, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide reduce cravings and lessen overall hunger for lower calorie intake. This ultimately results in an easier-to-achieve calorie deficit and loss of weight.
The question for many is, where is this weight loss coming from? Unwanted subcutaneous and visceral fat stores? Or muscle mass, which is needed for strength and a toned appearance?
Since these medications are relatively new, there are some mixed opinions on whether they cause a loss in muscle mass more than other methods. The key bit of information here is that every weight loss method will cause a mix of fat loss and muscle loss. When there is a calorie deficit, the body will burn both fat and muscle mass to fuel itself.
While muscle mass loss is possible with these drugs, some experts believe that it may seem significant only due to the amount of weight lost and because of how quickly it can be lost, not because there is anything specific about GLP-1s that causes muscle loss. Another key thing to remember is that, with any weight loss method, there are specific ways to combat the loss of lean muscle.
Because these medications often reduce appetite, it’s essential to be intentional about protein intake. Prioritizing high-quality protein sources can help maintain muscle mass throughout your weight loss journey. Additionally, many people find themselves working out less simply because the pounds are coming off regardless. But staying committed to strength training is crucial. Weight-bearing exercise not only supports muscle retention but also enhances overall body composition and long-term results.
At Nazarian Plastic Surgery, we’ve taken proactive steps to support muscle preservation during GLP-1–assisted weight loss. Our compounded GLP-1 medications include glycine, an amino acid known for its role in maintaining lean muscle and supporting metabolic health.
There are two main ways that both men and women involved in weight loss plans can avoid losing too much muscle mass: consuming enough protein and strength training.
By eating enough healthy protein, the body will be able to preserve muscle mass and maintain a proper metabolism. Strength training helps build up muscle mass as well as burn more fat calories, even during the parts of the day when you’re not active. A bonus tip: get enough sleep. The muscles need rest to recover, and getting enough sleep is important for overall restorative health. The bottom line is that risks come with the use of any medication, and it’s up to you and your medical provider to decide if the benefits outweigh any potential risks and what ways risks may be avoided entirely.
In general, the use of GLP-1 medications offers overall improvements in body composition, and loss of muscle mass is typically not a reason for most to avoid these drugs. In addition, the benefits of losing weight, overcoming obesity, and lowering the risks of weight-related health issues are worth the possibility of some muscle mass loss in the process.
That said, every patient is different and should take their specific situation into consideration. For example, elderly patients may need to use caution since age puts them at increased risk of losing muscle mass already and consuming enough protein could be challenging. For many patients, however, the positives outweigh the risks.
When it comes to losing weight with the help of medications, it’s crucial to be fully aware of your progress and how your body is responding to the medication. The best way to do that is by seeking specialized body composition monitoring. This is usually through a medical weight loss program where a medical professional can use highly accurate and specialized equipment to keep track of total body fat and muscle mass. With professional monitoring, medical weight loss patients typically see better results and can be confident they are staying healthy throughout the process.
Are you considering medical weight loss? Or have you tried it in the past but didn’t get the support you needed or the results you wanted? Finding the right medical weight loss program is a key factor for success with GLP-1 medications and maintaining great body composition. Book your consultation today with premier Beverly Hills medical weight loss expert, Dr. Sheila Nazarian, and start your transformation.
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