GLP-1 analogue medications, popularly known as “slimming pens”, have revolutionized the treatment of obesity and helped many people in the weight loss process. However, when weight loss happens too quickly and/or without adequate monitoring, it is not just the fat that decreases: there can also be a reduction in muscle mass and physical strength.

This happens because, without adequate monitoring, the body can use muscles as a source of energy, compromising the strength and functionality of the body. Therefore, it is common to see people who lose weight quickly, but begin to have greater flaccidity, less muscle support, a frequent feeling of tiredness and even difficulties in carrying out physical activities or daily tasks with the same disposition as before.

The good news is that, according to coach Fabio Aquino, there is recovery. “The body has muscle memory. Anyone who has trained before can usually recover mass and strength much faster than someone who has never trained. The muscle ‘remembers’ that previous state. This makes it much easier to return when there is strategy correct”, he explains.

Care during the weight loss process

To preserve and rebuild muscles during weight loss, it is necessary to associate healthy habits with the use of the medication. This is because, according to Fabio Aquino, muscle recovery does not happen alone. “The main mistake is to use the pens without weight training, without adequate protein and without monitoring. The person practically stops eating, loses weight quickly and the body enters a process of significant muscle loss”, he warns.

For him, the secret is not just losing weight. “The difference is in improving body composition. There is no point in losing 15 kilos and losing muscle along with it. The aesthetic and metabolic result ends up being worse”, he warns.

Strength training is essential

During any process of weight lossespecially with the use of GLP-1 analogue medications, strength training becomes essential. This is because it helps preserve muscle mass, maintain strength, stimulate metabolism and minimize the impacts of rapid weight loss on body composition. “Bodybuilding sends a signal to the body saying: ‘this muscle needs to be preserved’. Furthermore, adequate protein intake makes all the difference in maintaining lean mass”, says Fabio Aquino.

Impacts of accelerated weight loss on physical strength

Strength also tends to decrease during very accelerated weight loss. This happens because, in addition to the reduction in muscle mass, there may be a decrease in muscle energy stores and changes in neuromuscular performance, directly affecting the ability to generate strength and power.

As a consequence, many people report loss of muscle strength, increased fatigue, reduced physical resistance and even difficulty maintaining the same loads and intensity in training, especially when weight loss occurs without adequate strategies to preserve muscle.

How to avoid losing muscle mass

During weight loss, it is also necessary to preserve health and body quality throughout the process. According to Fabio Aquino, some habits are essential for maintaining muscle mass during weight loss.

“Today, the best results I see are from patients and students who combine medicationintelligent training, adequate nutrition and monitoring of body composition. The goal shouldn’t just be to weigh less on the scale. The goal should be to have less fat, more health, more strength and a truly functional body”, he concludes.

By Thiago Martins