How to Protect Muscle Mass on Wegovy® and Mounjaro®

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How to Protect Muscle Mass on Wegovy® and Mounjaro®

25 / Mar

Weight Loss Without Muscle Loss:

As powerful weight loss medications like Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) become more popular, an important question is emerging: Are you losing muscle along with fat?

These once-weekly injectable treatments can lead to impressive weight loss, but without proper planning, a significant portion of that loss may come from lean muscle tissue—not just fat. At Bramley Pharmacy, we believe that preserving muscle mass must be a central part of every weight management plan.

Why Muscle Mass Preservation Matters During Weight Loss

Muscle tissue plays a critical role in your overall health. It helps to:

  • Support your metabolism and energy levels

  • Maintain physical function and strength

  • Protect against frailty and falls

  • Improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control

  • Preserve bone health by reducing osteoporosis risk

When patients lose muscle during weight loss, it increases the risk of:

  • Slower metabolism, making long-term weight maintenance more difficult

  • Physical weakness or reduced mobility

  • Greater likelihood of weight regain in the form of fat

  • Increased fatigue, poor posture, and low exercise tolerance

Studies show that up to 25–30% of the weight lost with GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists (such as Wegovy® or Mounjaro®) may come from lean mass, not just body fat. This is why muscle preservation should not be an afterthought—it should be a treatment priority.

Why Wegovy® and Mounjaro® May Lead to Muscle Loss

Wegovy® and Mounjaro® work by reducing appetite and calorie intake. While this leads to fat loss, if the body is not getting enough dietary protein or experiencing muscle stimulus through resistance training, it may begin breaking down muscle for energy.

This unintended consequence can happen even when patients are pleased with the number on the scale.

How to Preserve Muscle Mass on Weight Loss Injections

1. Incorporate Resistance Training

Engaging in resistance-based exercise is one of the most effective ways to preserve and build muscle. It also supports metabolism, bone density, and balance.

Recommended approach:

  • Strength training at least 2–4 times per week

  • Focus on full-body movements: squats, lunges, deadlifts, presses, rows

  • Start with bodyweight exercises or resistance bands, and progress gradually

Patients do not need a gym membership to start—our pharmacy team can guide you with at-home or beginner-friendly routines.

2. Increase Your Protein Intake

Adequate protein is essential to preserve muscle tissue during weight loss. Aim for:

  • 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day

  • Lean sources such as eggs, dairy, poultry, fish, legumes, tofu, or protein supplements

  • Even distribution across meals to maximise muscle protein synthesis

Our pharmacists can advise on nutrition plans or recommend qualified dietitians when needed.

How to Monitor Muscle Mass While on Wegovy® or Mounjaro®

Tracking your weight is not enough. You need to understand what kind of weight you’re losing. The goal is fat loss, not muscle loss. Here are ways to monitor your body composition:

1. DEXA Scans (Gold Standard)

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scans are the most accurate way to measure:

  • Total body fat percentage

  • Lean muscle mass

  • Bone density

DEXA scans are available privately across the UK and are ideal for baseline assessments and periodic monitoring during your weight loss journey.

2. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)

BIA devices are available in many gyms, clinics, and some home smart scales. While not as accurate as DEXA, they provide an estimate of:

  • Body fat percentage

  • Lean mass changes

  • Hydration levels

BIA is useful for tracking trends over time when used consistently under similar conditions.

3. Functional Strength and Physical Performance

Simple performance benchmarks can also indicate changes in muscle status:

  • Reduced grip strength

  • Difficulty performing bodyweight squats or lunges

  • Slower walking speed or impaired balance

  • Early fatigue during daily activities

Our team at Bramley Pharmacy can help track your functional strength through routine wellness assessments and consultations.

Our Clinical Approach at Bramley Pharmacy

Our private weight management program is not just focused on weight loss—it’s designed for sustainable fat loss with muscle preservation. We offer:

  • Personalised consultations with prescribing pharmacists

  • Resistance training and nutrition guidance

  • Review of muscle-related symptoms or functional decline

  • DEXA and body composition referral pathways

  • Ongoing support for lifestyle and habit change

Whether you are just starting Wegovy® or Mounjaro®, or already on treatment and want to optimise outcomes, our team ensures that your strength, health, and function remain protected.

Book Your Weight Loss Consultation Today

Take control of your health—not just your weight. At Bramley Pharmacy, we help patients lose fat, not muscle.

Visit us at:
Bramley Pharmacy
261 Northfield Avenue, Ealing, W5 4UA
Call: 0208 840 4464
Book Online: www.bramleypharmacy.co.uk

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