Ozempic linked to possible muscle weakness

A University of Utah study on semaglutide drugs raises questions about possible effects on lean mass and muscle strength.

Ozempic linked to possible muscle weakness

A mouse study published in Cell Metabolism looked at weight loss with Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs. It found lean mass fell by about 10 percent, but not always from skeletal muscles. In some cases a muscle stayed the same size even as strength declined; in others strength remained despite lean mass changes. The researchers also observed a reduction in the size of organs such as the liver, which can shrink during weight loss. They cautioned that results in mice do not directly translate to people, given differences in how obesity develops and how active individuals are.

The team says the findings point to a need for clinical trials that directly measure muscle strength and identify which groups might be most affected. They emphasize that Ozempic and related drugs still offer clear benefits for controlling blood sugar and promoting weight loss, but there may be a need for safeguards to protect muscle function, especially for older adults or people with prior surgeries or disabilities.

This study spotlights a key tension in modern obesity treatment: lose pounds quickly while keeping everyday function. Muscle health depends on more than size; strength matters for stairs, carrying groceries and balance. If some patients lose strength as they lose weight, doctors may need to add resistance training or protein support to treatment plans.

The findings also show how medical science moves forward in steps. Mouse data guide human trials, but the jump to people is cautious. Regulators and clinicians should monitor not just sugar and weight but how well people move in daily life, so benefits do not come with hidden costs. This is a reminder that safe medical progress requires both rigorous study and clear patient guidance.

Highlights

A careful balance between weight loss and muscle health remains essential.