Current nutrition reportsApr 27, 2025

Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment in Patients at High Risk of Muscle Loss

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 20, 2026

Abstract

GLP-1 receptor agonists can lead to total weight loss upwards of 25%, with significant loss of lean body mass reaching 15-40% of total weight lost.

The decline in muscle mass associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists may increase the risk of sarcopenia and adverse events in higher-risk patients.
Insufficient evidence currently exists regarding the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on body composition in older adults and patients with chronic conditions.
A high protein diet and resistance training may help mitigate muscle loss during treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
An individualized approach focusing on protein intake and resistance exercise is suggested to minimize muscle mass loss while promoting fat loss.
Future research is needed to assess the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on sarcopenia in high-risk populations.

Simplified

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Glucagon-like peptide- 1 receptor agonists (GLP- 1 RA) are a rapidly expanding class of medications used to treat many chronic diseases. This review explores factors that may contribute to accelerated muscle loss among higher-risk patient populations and describes tailored interventions to reduce the risk of accelerated sarcopenia and frailty.

RECENT FINDINGS: While GLP- 1 RA can result in total weight loss upwards of 25%, recent studies show that they can also lead to significant loss of lean body mass, reaching as high as 15-40% of total weight lost. This rapid and significant decline in muscle mass while taking GLP- 1 RA places certain patient populations already predisposed to sarcopenia at higher risk for muscle loss and adverse events. Currently, there is insufficient evidence delving into the impact of GLP- 1 RA on body composition among older adults, patients with chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, research suggests that a high protein diet and resistance training may help prevent loss of muscle mass during GLP- 1 RA usage. A targeted and individualized nutrition and physical activity regimen should be instituted for each patient with a focus on optimizing protein intake and performing frequent resistance training in order to minimize loss of muscle mass while promoting the loss of fat mass. Future research should evaluate the impact of GLP- 1 RA on sarcopenia in high-risk patient populations.

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Competing interests

Declarations. Conflicts of Interest: Financial interests: ZM has stock in Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals and served as a consultant for Neptune Medical. SG is a Medical Board Members of Nutritional Therapy for IBD. AM and MP have no financial interests to disclose. RM is an educational advisor for Nestle Nutrition and Fresenius Kabi. Non-financial interests: ZM, SG, MP, and AM were Nestle Nutrition Institute Fellows. RM is faculty for Nestle Nutrition Fellowship. Funding: SG is supported by a Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Career Development Award. Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent: This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

PubMed

Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment in Patients at High Risk of Muscle Loss

Abstract

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Abstract

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Related papers

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