How can nutrition and exercise help preserve muscle mass while losing weight?

Preserving muscle mass requires a combination of proper nutrition, adequate protein intake, hydration, and regular exercise. Strength training should be prioritized alongside cardio and balance exercises, while working with a healthcare provider can help ensure safe and sustainable weight loss.

Does Ozempic Cause Muscle Loss?

Q: Why does Ozempic cause muscle loss?

Ozempic is not believed to directly cause muscle loss. However, the rapid weight loss associated with the medication, particularly without proper nutrition and strength training, may contribute to sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function.

Q: Why is maintaining muscle mass important?

Maintaining muscle mass supports strength, mobility, balance, and overall health. Loss of muscle mass can increase the risk of mobility problems, falls, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, especially as people age.

Q: How does a DEXA scan measure muscle mass and body fat?

A DEXA scan uses low-dose X-ray technology to analyze body composition by distinguishing between muscle mass, body fat, and bone. It is commonly used to measure bone density and can also provide detailed information about muscle mass and body fat distribution.

With the popularity of weight loss drugs, like Ozempic, over the years, many have begun asking themselves, “Does Ozempic cause muscle loss?” The answer is a little confusing, but research doesn’t lie.

A Woman In A White Shirt Is Holding A Semaglutide Injection Pen In Her Hands.

Clinical trials are already showing that Ozempic can lead to a 13.9% loss of lean muscle mass. Doctors remain unaware of what the risks associated with this loss of muscle mass may be. Continue reading to learn why Ozempic causes muscle loss.

Schedule Your Scan.

Why Does Ozempic Cause Muscle Loss?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Ozempic likely doesn’t directly cause muscle loss. However, the associated rapid weight loss that Ozempic does cause (especially without following the proper exercise and diet routine) can lead to sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is characterized by muscle loss that can lead to decreased strength and function. Currently, research is ongoing to try to combat this common downside of Ozempic.

Why Is Maintaining Muscle Mass Important?

According to the Centers for Advanced Orthopedics, maintaining muscle mass can be crucial for maintaining health and mobility. This is especially true as we age.

Decreases in muscle mass can lead to:

Decreased strength and endurance, which increases the risk of mobility issues as you age
Balance issues, which may increase the risk of falls
Increased risk of diabetes
Increased risk of cardiovascular conditions

How Can the Right Nutrition and Exercise Help Preserve Muscle Mass?

A lot of people may think that as long as you’re losing weight, you’re improving your overall health. While maintaining a healthy weight is important, it’s not the only measure of progress when improving your health. This is because the number on the scale doesn’t tell you if you’re experiencing fat loss or muscle mass loss.

The following may help patients preserve their muscle mass as they lose weight.

Make Safety a Priority

If you’ve chosen to try a weight loss drug, be sure to work with your doctor while you’re taking it. This way, you can be advised on the healthiest way to do it with your specific health factors in mind.

For most, going slower can be the best route to safely take off excess fat, while preserving your muscle mass.

Follow an Exercise Regimen That Is Good for Muscle Mass

It’s important to get a mix of different types of exercises (cardio, balance training exercises, such as yoga, and strength training) for optimal health and muscle performance.

However, when trying to maintain muscle mass, you have to make strength training a priority as these types of exercises (lifting weights, resistance bands, etc.) are key to muscle growth.

Eat Healthily and Drink Plenty of Water

Staying properly hydrated while eating a healthy diet that focuses on getting plenty of protein is vital for retaining or gaining muscle mass.

Protein needs vary from person to person so be sure to seek your doctor’s advice on how much protein you should be consuming for maintaining muscle mass.

How Does a DEXA Scan Measure Muscle Mass and Body Fat?

A DEXA scan uses X-ray technology to get a detailed picture of your body composition, which includes distinguishing between muscle mass, body fat, and bone.

DEXA scans are primary used as a diagnostic tool to test bone density, but it can also be used to assess risk factors for other conditions.

Should You Consider a DEXA Scan?

The following people should consider asking their doctor about the benefits of receiving a DEXA scan:

Women over 65
Men over 70
Individuals (especially women) with risk factors for osteoporosis wanting to assess their bone health
Those currently taking or those with a history of taking certain weight loss medications
Those with risk factors that make getting a detailed idea of their body composition advantageous
Those trying to lose weight (especially if it’s a lot of weight) who want the best idea of how to do so safely
Anyone who wants a more complete idea of their health data

Losing weight can be important for many people’s overall health. However, if you’re not doing so safely, there can be unintended consequences.

If you or a loved one has taken or is currently taking Ozempic, discuss whether a DEXA scan could benefit you with your doctor.

Schedule Your Scan.

Sources:

Can Ozempic Cause You To Lose Muscle? (2025).

Does Ozempic cause muscle loss and how to prevent it? (2026).

Facts About Bone Density (DEXA Scan). (2025).

The Importance of Building and Maintaining Skeletal Muscle Mass as You Age. (2024).