According to experts, weight loss medications can help people who are obese achieve remarkable results, but they are not completely safe to use.
Weight loss, with the help of Novo Nordisk weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, carries more lean mass that includes an individual’s bones, organs, and muscles than actual fat, which can be harmful to one’s body.
According to Dr. Jaime Almandoz, an associate professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, “When we look at weight reduction from any intervention, about one-third of the weight we lose tends to be lean mass, and that can be problematic.”
The majority of the lost lean mass is a muscle, and it is critical to keep muscle mass because it helps improve the metabolic rate at rest.
She added: “Lean mass is healthier and associated with better metabolism, so when we lose lean mass, we may lose some of that function.”
Although it is normal to lose muscle mass when losing weight, excessive muscle loss is not healthy.
Muscle mass is essential for weight control, Dr. Aronne argues “If you can maintain your muscle mass, you could have more sustained weight loss because your metabolic rate would not be reduced.”
Dr. Juliana Simonetti, co-director of the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at the University of Utah, recommends increasing protein intake in diets to reduce weight and maintain muscle mass. An NBC report states that protein powders should have at least 20 grams of protein per serving.
Simonetti recommends seeking professional equipment to accurately track the amount of weight lost.
Read Also: Here are a few healthier methods for losing weight.
