Higher Protein Intake May Preserve Muscle on GLP-1 Drugs

A recent study shows the positive impact of incorporating higher amounts of protein in the diet of GLP-1 users to curb muscle loss.

Higher Protein Intake May Preserve Muscle on GLP-1 Drugs featured image

The Muscle Loss Problem

For anyone taking GLP-1 drugs, they’re not losing purely fat when they lose weight. Research shows that 20% to 50% of weight loss can be lean muscle mass rather than fat. Moreover, this reality is a more serious concern for elderly GLP-1 users who already lose more muscle as they get older.

In particular, a 2024 study revealed that participants taking semaglutide lost almost 8 pounds of muscle over several months. Meanwhile, participants who incorporated dietary and lifestyle changes also lost a similar amount of muscle mass.

Hence, scientists are pointing toward the benefits of consuming higher amounts of protein to help curb muscle loss.

“Older adults and women may be more likely to lose muscle on semaglutide, but eating more protein may help protect against this,” notes Melanie Haines, M.D. of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

More Protein to Stave Muscle Loss

At the Endocrine Society’s ENDO 2025 conference, researchers presented data from a randomized trial of 40 overweight adults. Half of the participants took semaglutide, while the others used diet and exercise.

Overall, both groups lost weight. Yet muscle loss was noticeably higher in participants who consumed less protein.

Notably, those with higher protein intake retained more muscle, regardless of treatment group.

The takeaway? Even with powerful drugs, nutrition still matters.

How Much Protein Is Enough?

Generally, experts recommend a daily intake of 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. That’s nearly 90–123 grams for a 170-pound (77-kilogram) person.

Furthermore, resistance training enhances the muscle-sparing effects of protein. Specifically, squats, lifting weights, and resistance bands all help retain lean mass.

“Losing too much muscle may reduce the benefits of semaglutide on blood sugar control,” warns Haines. “This means preserving muscle during weight loss with semaglutide may be important to reduce insulin resistance and prevent frailty in people with obesity.”

Meat Still on the Menu

Interestingly, GLP‑1 users aren’t giving up protein. According to National Hog Farmer, these individuals are still consuming pork, chicken, and beef frequently.

Overall, this shift shows that consumers may be unconsciously leaning into protein-heavy meals, even as they skip traditional snacks or smaller meals.

Meanwhile, food companies are capitalizing on the trend. High-protein shakes, snacks, and “GLP-1-friendly” options are now lining store shelves.

“Since fewer, large meals are being consumed by GLP-1 users, the industry will have to find opportunity in snacks,” shares Justin Bina, assistant professor at the Morrison School of Agribusiness at Arizona State University.

However, not all products are created equal. Some high-protein snacks may be ultra-processed or lack other key nutrients like fiber and healthy fats.

What’s Next

Larger studies are underway to define optimal protein targets for GLP‑1 users. Specifically, some researchers are even exploring drugs that may block muscle breakdown.

Until then, doctors recommend a practical approach: eat protein at every meal, stay hydrated, and include strength training weekly.

Overall, GLP‑1s may change the way we lose weight. But preserving muscle takes strategy and effort.

Photo by Mark DeYoung on Unsplash  

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