New Drug to Counter Muscle Loss from Obesity Medications
A novel drug named apitegromab shows potential to help individuals using obesity injections avoid the unwanted muscle loss associated with the so-called "Ozempic butt," according to research published in the Nature Medicine journal.
US-based research indicates that approximately one-third of the weight loss from GLP-1 obesity medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro may come from muscle rather than fat.
In a clinical trial involving 102 adults, predominantly women, those who received apitegromab alongside their obesity medication retained more muscle mass while continuing to lose fat, as demonstrated by body scans.
Experts emphasize that further evaluation studies are necessary before apitegromab can be recommended for widespread use.
'Ozempic Butt'
Individuals using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro may experience pronounced loss of fat, muscle, and tissue volume as they undergo rapid weight reduction.
This phenomenon is believed to result from the speed of slimming rather than the medication itself.
Obesity injections function by suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss.
Unlike fat, muscle is more difficult to rebuild quickly after loss.
Although not a formal medical diagnosis, some users report changes in body shape, including a deflated or sagging buttocks, commonly referred to as "Ozempic butt."
Plastic surgeons in the US have noted a "noticeable uptick" in consultations related to this issue.
Current guidance for people on GLP-1 medications includes maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in exercise, particularly strength training, to support muscle preservation.
GLP-1 drugs are not intended for short-term or cosmetic weight loss, and health professionals strongly discourage their misuse as a quick solution for achieving a "beach body," despite evidence of such misuse.
What is the New Drug?
Apitegromab is presently available only within clinical trial settings and is administered intravenously as an infusion.
The manufacturing company, which funded the research, is exploring the possibility of a self-injection method using a specialized injection pen similar to those used for GLP-1 drugs.
Apitegromab functions by inhibiting a protein involved in muscle breakdown and is also being investigated as a treatment for other muscle-related conditions, including spinal muscular atrophy.
In the six-month obesity trial, which involved the weight-loss drug Mounjaro, participants receiving apitegromab retained approximately 1.9 kg, or 55% more muscle mass (lean mass), compared to those on placebo.
Lean mass accounted for 14.6% of total weight loss in the apitegromab group, versus 30.2% in the placebo group receiving a dummy treatment alongside Mounjaro.
Dr Marie Spreckley, an expert from Cambridge University not involved in the study, stated, "the findings were promising but should be viewed as 'encouraging early evidence' rather than definitive proof of clinical benefit."
She further recommended larger and longer studies to determine if preserving muscle improves strength, wellbeing, and long-term health outcomes.
How to Build Muscle
Strength training does not necessarily require gym visits; any activity that challenges muscles beyond their usual workload contributes to increasing muscle strength, size, power, and endurance.
The NHS advises starting gradually and increasing intensity over time.
It is recommended to engage in two or more strength training sessions per week, which can include various exercises.
Dietary considerations, particularly adequate protein intake, are also important.
Research indicates that consuming 20-40 grams of protein per meal supports muscle maintenance and growth.
As a general guideline, filling a quarter of the plate with protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, beans, lentils, or chickpeas at every meal is beneficial.
Protein-rich snacks may include yoghurts, boiled eggs, and nuts.
