A new drug called apitegromab could help folks on obesity jabs avoid that dreaded muscle decline that’s been linked to flat bums or the notorious “Ozempic butt.” This revelation comes from research published in the Nature Medicine journal, suggesting that about a third of the weight loss from GLP-1 obesity medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro can come from muscle instead of fat. In a trial involving 102 adults, mostly women, it was found that those who took apitegromab alongside their obesity meds managed to keep more muscle while still shedding fat, as shown by body scans. But, hold on a minute—experts stress that more evaluation studies are needed before giving this the green light.
Now, let’s break it down a bit more. People using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro often experience an exaggerated loss of fat, muscle, and tissue volume as the pounds drop off quickly. This isn’t just a side effect of the medication itself, but rather a consequence of rapid weight loss. These jabs work by curbing appetite and making you feel fuller for longer, which means you end up eating way less and losing weight. But here’s the kicker: unlike fat, it’s a whole lot tougher to rebuild muscle fast. Some users have even expressed concerns about their body shape changing—yep, that deflated or saggy bum look has been dubbed the “Ozempic butt.” And guess what? U.S. plastic surgeons are noticing a “noticeable uptick” in consultations about this very issue. Can you believe that?
People on GLP-1s are already advised to adopt a healthy diet and engage in exercise, including strength training, to maintain their muscle mass. It’s crucial to note that GLP-1 drugs aren’t designed for quick fixes or cosmetic weight loss, and health experts are ringing the alarm against using them as a shortcut to get that “beach body” ready, even though it’s clear some people misuse them. Right now, apitegromab is only available for clinical trials and has to be administered via an infusion. The company behind it, which funded the research, is looking into whether folks could self-inject it with a special pen—just like those GLP-1 jabs.
So, how does apitegromab work? It blocks a protein involved in muscle breakdown and is also being explored as a treatment for other muscle-related medical conditions, including spinal muscular atrophy. In the six-month obesity trial that utilized the weight-loss drug Mounjaro, participants who also received apitegromab retained around 1.9 kg or 55% more muscle, also known as ‘lean mass’. To put it in perspective, lean mass constituted 14.6% of total weight loss in the apitegromab group, compared to a whopping 30.2% in the placebo group that received a dummy treatment alongside Mounjaro. Dr. Marie Spreckley from Cambridge University, who wasn’t involved in the research, pointed out that while the findings seem promising, they should be viewed as “encouraging early evidence” rather than definitive proof of clinical benefits. She’s calling for larger, longer studies to see if preserving muscle can indeed boost strength, wellbeing, and long-term health outcomes.
Dr. Brendan Gabriel, a nutrition and health expert at the University of Aberdeen, mentioned that this treatment might not be suitable for everyone on GLP-1 drugs but could potentially assist those losing muscle mass rapidly. And here’s a tip: you don’t need a gym to do strength training. Any activity that makes your muscles work harder counts! This helps increase your muscles’ strength, size, power, and endurance. The NHS recommends starting small and building up, aiming for at least two sessions a week. And let’s not forget about diet; getting enough protein is vital. Research suggests that consuming 20-40g of protein per meal can help maintain or build muscle mass. A good rule of thumb? Fill a quarter of your plate with protein-rich foods like meat, fish, beans, lentils, or chickpeas at every meal. Protein-rich snacks? Think yoghurts, boiled eggs, and nuts.
This whole situation is definitely evolving, and as we learn more about apitegromab and its effects, the future looks intriguing. What’s next for those navigating the challenges of weight loss and muscle maintenance? We’re all ears for the upcoming developments!
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber