For Immediate Release
ST. GEORGE, UT — July 27, 2026 — GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro can cause muscle loss. Learn evidence-based strategies to preserve lean mass while losing weight on semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Research published in Nature Medicine and the New England Journal of Medicine (the SURMOUNT and STEP trials) showed that participants on semaglutide and tirzepatide lost significant body weight — but a meaningful portion was lean tissue. In the STEP-1 trial, roughly 38% of total weight lost was non-fat mass.
Protein is the single most important nutritional variable for preserving lean mass during any caloric deficit — and GLP-1 medications create a substantial deficit. Most clinical guidelines suggest 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily for individuals in a caloric deficit, and some research supports going higher (up to 2.0g/kg) for older adults or those with existing muscle loss.
No amount of protein supplementation can fully compensate for a lack of resistance exercise. Strength training — whether with weights, resistance bands, machines, or bodyweight — is the primary stimulus for muscle protein synthesis .
Sleep is when the body does most of its muscle repair and growth. During deep sleep stages, growth hormone is released in its largest daily pulse — and growth hormone is critical for muscle protein synthesis and fat mobilization.
“Recovery is possible with the right, evidence-based support — that is the work we do every day at The Bridge.” — Dr. Daren Brooks, D.O., Founder & CEO, The Bridge Health Recovery Center
Read the full guide: How to Avoid Muscle Loss on GLP-1 Medications (Semaglutide & Tirzepatide).
Author: Dr. Daren Brooks, D.O., Founder & CEO, The Bridge Health Recovery Center