Muscle Preservation on GLP-1 Therapy
Rapid weight loss without a lean-mass strategy costs you metabolic rate. Here is the protocol we build around.
Any large energy deficit pulls from both fat and lean tissue. The goal of a well-run program is to skew that ratio as far toward fat as possible.
Protein is the non-negotiable
Most patients target roughly 1.6 g of protein per kilogram of goal body weight daily. On a GLP-1 that requires planning, because appetite suppression makes it easy to under-eat protein specifically.
Resistance training is the signal
Protein supplies material; training supplies the instruction to keep it. Two to four sessions per week of progressive resistance work is the evidence-backed minimum.
Measure composition, not just weight
Scale weight cannot distinguish fat from muscle. Periodic body-composition checks tell your provider whether the protocol is working as intended.
Frequently asked
Will I lose muscle on a GLP-1?
Some lean mass loss accompanies any weight loss. With adequate protein and resistance training, the fat-to-lean ratio of loss improves substantially.
Do I need supplements?
Not necessarily. Protein supplements are a convenience; creatine and vitamin D are commonly discussed based on labs and diet.
This article is educational and is not medical advice. Treatment decisions are made by a licensed provider after a clinical evaluation.
