GLP-1s and Muscle Loss: Fact or Fear? | GLP-1 MasterClass Episode 2

What if the biggest concern about GLP-1 therapy isn’t entirely what it seems? In Episode 2 of The GLP-1 MasterClass, Dr. Subodh Verma is joined by endocrinologist Dr. Jennifer Green to explore one of the most discussed and misunderstood topics in obesity medicine today: muscle loss during GLP-1 therapy. Together, they separate fact from fiction and examine what clinical trials actually tell us about lean mass, muscle strength, body composition, and healthy weight loss. Together, they discuss: • whether concerns about muscle loss with GLP-1 therapies are justified • why most weight lost during treatment is fat rather than muscle • the difference between lean mass, muscle mass, and muscle strength • what the clinical evidence tells us about body composition changes during weight loss • practical strategies to preserve muscle strength, including protein intake and resistance training • why health, strength, and function matter more than the number on the scale This conversation is part of The GLP-1 MasterClass - a 10-part series from The Six Health exploring the future of cardiometabolic medicine, obesity, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, kidney health, and prevention science. Explore more conversations at: https://www.thesixhealth.ca HOST Dr. Subodh Verma MD, PhD, FRCSC Cardiac Surgeon, Scientist, and Professor, University of Toronto Internationally recognized leader in cardiovascular surgery, cardiometabolic medicine, and translational research. GUEST EXPERT Dr. Jennifer B. Green, MD Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Duke University School of Medicine Internationally recognized endocrinologist and clinical trialist specializing in diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular outcomes research. The GLP-1 MasterClass Playlist:    / @thesixhealth   Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 00:38 Should You Worry About Muscle Loss? 02:47 What Are People Actually Losing? 03:31 What Do the Clinical Trials Show? 04:40 Muscle Mass vs. Muscle Strength 06:32 How to Preserve Muscle During Weight Loss 10:01 What Matters Most? References 1. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. 2. Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414-1425. 3. Sattar N, McGuire DK, Pavo I, et al. Tirzepatide and Body Composition in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Substudy of the SURMOUNT-1 Trial. Obesity. 2024. 4. Tan S, Gao Y, Wang J, et al. Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Body Composition in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2024. 5. Cava E, Yeat NC, Mittendorfer B. Preserving Healthy Muscle during Weight Loss. Adv Nutr. 2017;8(3):511-519. 6. Weimann A, Braga M, Carli F, et al. ESPEN Practical Guideline: Clinical Nutrition in Surgery. Clin Nutr. 2021;40(7):4745-4761. 7. Bauer J, Biolo G, Cederholm T, et al. Evidence-Based Recommendations for Optimal Dietary Protein Intake in Older People. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2013;14(8):542-559. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personal medical advice. Please consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.