The science is more complex than the headline suggests, highlighting the importance of looking beyond headlines and interpreting the full evidence base
In the main body composition studies, especially at higher doses, around 38% of the weight lost is still lean mass
Can I build muscle while taking GLP-1 medications
Include eggs, lean beef, chicken, turkey, fish, or plant-based proteins
Semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy): ~15% body weight loss at 68 weeks in clinical trials Tirzepatide 15 mg (Zepbound): ~21% body weight loss at 72 weeks in clinical trials Real-world data shows lower results: Cleveland Clinic research from 2025 found average weight loss of 7.7% with semaglutide and 12.4% with tirzepatide at one year in routine clinical practice
"[The data] can influence policy and do things like ensure there is increased public awareness, increased testing it forms the basis of the science that is known about these risks," he said