Protecting Muscle While Losing Weight: Why It Matters
Blog by Jaydev Varsani | Clinical Pharmacist at Bramley Pharmacy and Murrays Chemist
As hormone-based weight management treatments become increasingly popular, one important clinical consideration is sometimes overlooked: Are you losing fat — or muscle?
At Bramley Pharmacy, we believe weight loss should be about more than the number on the scale. Preserving lean muscle mass is essential for long-term health, energy, and mobility. Our pharmacist-led weight loss programme is built around this principle.
Why Muscle Preservation Is Crucial During Weight Loss
Muscle plays a vital role in health, helping to:
- Support your metabolism and energy levels
- Maintain physical strength and daily function
- Improve glucose control and insulin sensitivity
- Reduce the risk of frailty, falls, and bone loss
When weight loss is rapid or not nutritionally supported, there is a risk that the body will lose muscle as well as fat. This can lead to:
- Slower metabolism and risk of weight regain
- Reduced strength and mobility
- Increased fatigue or postural changes
- Less resilience to illness or ageing
Research shows that a significant proportion of weight loss from hormone-based injectable treatments (e.g., GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists) can come from lean body mass, especially without appropriate diet and exercise support.
How Weight Loss Injections Can Contribute to Muscle Loss
Many injectable therapies work by reducing appetite and calorie intake. While this helps lower fat stores, it also reduces total nutrient intake. Without:
- Sufficient dietary protein, and
- Resistance-based exercise to stimulate muscle, the body may begin breaking down muscle tissue to meet its energy needs.
Even patients who are happy with the weight on the scale may be losing strength or function — which is why body composition matters.
How to Preserve Muscle During Weight Loss Treatment
1. Incorporate Resistance Training
Regular strength training signals the body to maintain muscle tissue. We recommend:
- 2–4 sessions per week
- Full-body movements like squats, lunges, presses, and rows
- Starting with bodyweight or resistance bands, then progressing
You don’t need a gym — we can help with home-based or beginner plans tailored to you.
2. Optimise Protein Intake
Dietary protein helps preserve muscle during calorie restriction. General guidance includes:
- 1.2–1.6g of protein per kg of body weight daily
- Spread evenly across meals to maximise absorption
- Choose lean protein: eggs, fish, poultry, dairy, legumes, tofu
Our pharmacy team can provide nutrition guidance or refer to dietitians where appropriate.
Monitoring Body Composition: Beyond the Scale
1. DEXA Scans
The gold standard for measuring:
- Body fat percentage
- Lean mass
- Bone density
Ideal for establishing a baseline and tracking progress. Available via private clinics in the UK.
2. Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA)
Accessible via some home scales, gyms, or clinics:
- Estimates lean mass and fat percentage
- Useful for tracking trends if used consistently
3. Functional Strength Testing
Simple indicators of muscle loss include:
- Weakened grip
- Difficulty performing bodyweight exercises
- Slower walking or balance issues
- Increased fatigue during everyday tasks
We offer functional assessments as part of our routine check-ins.
Bramley Pharmacy’s Clinical Weight Loss Approach
Our private, face-to-face service includes:
- Consultations with an experienced prescribing pharmacist
- Nutrition and physical activity planning
- Symptom tracking and functional assessments
- Referrals for DEXA or body composition analysis
- Regular review and adjustment of treatment plans
We do not advertise or promote specific prescription-only weight loss medications. All treatments are prescribed only after a full clinical assessment and tailored to your individual needs.
Final Thoughts
True weight loss success is about fat loss with strength preservation. Our clinic helps patients maintain muscle, energy, and resilience while achieving their weight goals — safely and sustainably.
📍 Visit us: Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Avenue, Ealing, W5 4UA
📞 Call us: 0208 840 4464
🌐 Book online: www.bramleypharmacy.com
