GLP-1 Medications and Muscle Preservation: What You Should Know

July 30, 2025

GLP-1 Medications and Muscle Preservation: What You Should Know

July 30, 2025

A Smarter Way to Lose Weight

GLP-1 medications like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide have quickly gained attention for their role in weight management and Type 2 diabetes treatment. But as more people turn to these therapies for support in weight loss, a new question has emerged: what happens to your muscle mass during the process?

At ATX Infusion and Wellness, our approach to weight loss includes not just reducing body fat, but supporting whole-body health—including the maintenance of lean muscle. If you’re considering GLP-1 therapy, it’s important to understand how these medications work, how they may affect muscle composition, and how a comprehensive plan can help preserve strength and function.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone involved in insulin secretion and appetite regulation. Medications like Tirzepatide (which also targets GIP receptors) and Semaglutide (marketed under names like Ozempic and Wegovy) mimic or enhance this hormone’s action. They slow gastric emptying, reduce appetite, and help regulate blood sugar levels. These effects can contribute to significant weight loss when paired with lifestyle changes.

The Role of Muscle in Healthy Weight Loss

Weight loss, when not managed carefully, can lead to loss of both fat and muscle. Muscle is critical not just for strength and physical function, but also for metabolism. Losing muscle may slow your resting metabolic rate, making it more difficult to sustain weight loss over time.

Some emerging evidence and anecdotal reports suggest that GLP-1 users may experience a greater percentage of lean mass loss compared to fat loss, especially in the absence of strength training or adequate protein intake. While individual experiences vary, it’s a concern worth addressing if your goal is sustainable, healthy weight loss.

man engaging in weightlifting for weight loss

How to Support Muscle While on GLP-1 Therapy

If you’re using or considering a GLP-1 medication, there are practical, evidence-informed strategies to help preserve your muscle mass throughout your weight loss journey:

1. Strength-Based Exercise

Engaging in resistance training or weightlifting 2–3 times per week helps signal your body to maintain muscle tissue. Even bodyweight exercises or resistance bands can be effective.

2. Prioritize Protein Intake

Your body needs amino acids to build and preserve muscle. Working with a provider to ensure your protein intake is adequate—especially if you’re eating less overall—is essential.

3. Consider Supportive Peptide Therapies

Peptides like CJC-1295 or Ipamorelin are sometimes used to support muscle growth and recovery. While these are not substitutes for exercise and nutrition, they may complement a broader wellness strategy. ATX Infusion and Wellness offers individualized consultation for patients exploring peptide therapies.

4. Monitor Your Progress Thoughtfully

Weight on the scale tells only part of the story. If you’re able, track your progress with tools that differentiate between fat and lean mass—like bioelectrical impedance or DEXA scans.

A Personalized, Science-First Approach

At ATX Infusion and Wellness, we work with clients who are pursuing GLP-1 therapy as part of a larger strategy for improving their health. Our focus is not only on helping patients lose weight, but on doing so in a way that preserves their long-term vitality and functionality.

We understand that no two bodies are alike. That’s why we offer a personalized consultation to help you decide whether Tirzepatide or another GLP-1 option is appropriate—and how to best support your body during treatment.

Final Thoughts

GLP-1 medications offer powerful tools for weight loss and metabolic support, but they are most effective when part of a thoughtful, comprehensive approach. Preserving lean muscle is not just about how you look—it’s about how you feel, move, and age.

If you’re interested in exploring a safe, strategic path to weight loss that includes GLP-1 therapy and muscle-supportive wellness plans, contact ATX Infusion and Wellness to learn more.

Let’s build something better than short-term results. Let’s build a foundation for lasting health.

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