Muscle mass is a large and rather frightening issue, overall. As previously mentioned, any legitimate weight-loss regime must aim to shed the greatest possible amount of fat, while retaining the largest possible amount of muscle, because a healthy balance of the two is paramount — and as it turns out, very difficult to achieve.
The whole point of these meds is to help the patient eat less, which in itself could be a problem if it leads to an insufficient intake of protein. To maintain and build muscle, several macronutrients from other sources are also important:
Alongside resistance training, research suggests consuming 1.4–2 grams (g) of protein for each kilogram of body weight per day to maximize muscle building. However, it’s important to consume a well-balanced diet that includes healthy carbohydrates and fats.
The Healthline article quoted above, like many similar guides, goes on to recommend a plethora of excellent protein sources.
The necessary
On the most practical level, long-term weight loss is almost impossible to maintain unless dietary caution is accompanied by plenty of exercise for the muscles. In addition, the older a person becomes, the more the body must struggle to maintain muscle while shedding fat. Some doctors who prescribe the GLP-1 meds have become alarmed by the disproportionate loss of muscle mass in their older patients.
In any case, it is unwise to measure only overall weight loss, without distinguishing between fat and muscle — which is the strongest objection to the near-universal use of Body Mass Index as the official measurement tool.
Among other outcomes, this ongoing source of unease within the community has led to the creation of a new category, of which plenty of people are members:
In simple terms, ‘skinny fat’ refers to someone who looks fit and healthy from the outside, but who is actually carrying excess visceral fat internally… But the reality is that this hidden belly fat can lead to some serious health problems.
The medical term for this is Metabolically Obese Normal Weight (MONW).
“Intention to Treat” is a podcast produced by the New England Journal of Medicine, hosted by Rachel Gotbaum, and one of this summer’s episodes discussed the recent approval of GLP-1 drugs for children. Guest Dr. Ali Ibrahim first establishes that with or without medication, any kind of slimming endeavor will inevitably involve the loss of not only fat tissue, but lean muscle mass as well.
That loss cannot be eliminated, but it can be limited, maybe… probably… eventually. This is especially important when the patient is a child or teen, because “we’re putting them through a catabolic state, a state of breakdown, whether it’s adipose-tissue breakdown, whether it’s lean-muscle breakdown…”
Dr. Ibrahim is one of many who ask some version of the question, “What is going to happen to them in the future, especially if they continue being on this medication for decades?” He goes on to say,
These are chronic medications. They’re not meant for use for short-term use. Once we start them, for most people, they will have to continue on these medications for the rest of their lives.
Your responses and feedback are welcome!
Source: “26 Foods to Eat to Gain Muscle,” Healthline.com, 02/15/24
Source: “What is skinny fat? Causes, risks and how to fix it,” GoodTo.com, 07/20/22
Source: “Treating Obesity in Kids — ITT Episode 31,” NEJM.org, 06/05/24
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