Why Muscle Preserve Protein+ May Support Muscle and Bone Health for GLP-1 Users

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—such as semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®—are increasingly used as part of a weight management plan. These medications often result in a reduced appetite and significant weight loss. However, when calorie intake decreases substantially, some of the weight lost can come from lean body mass, including both muscle and bone tissue¹.

In clinical research, reductions in muscle mass have been observed alongside fat loss during GLP-1 use². Muscle supports strength, mobility, and metabolic rate, while healthy bone density is essential for skeletal integrity. Supporting these areas with balanced nutrition and resistance activity may help reduce the risk of losing too much lean mass during a calorie deficit.

Why Lean Mass Loss Happens

When the body experiences a significant calorie reduction, it may use not only fat but also muscle protein for energy. A lower overall protein intake—common in people experiencing reduced appetite—can make it more challenging to maintain muscle tissue. Weight loss can also reduce the mechanical loading on bones, which may contribute to changes in bone density over time¹.

For individuals managing specific health considerations such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it is important to note that nutrient intake and muscle preservation are both factors that can influence overall metabolic health³⁻⁴.

Nutritional Strategies for GLP-1 Users

Research suggests that consuming adequate dietary protein, engaging in resistance training, and ensuring sufficient intake of certain micronutrients may help support muscle mass and bone strength during weight loss⁵⁻⁶.

Muscle Preserve Protein+ was developed to provide a convenient way to increase daily intake of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, fiber, and select vitamins and minerals. Each serving delivers:

• Whey Protein Isolate – Provides fast-digesting amino acids, including leucine, which is important for muscle protein synthesis⁷⁻⁸.

• Micellar Casein – Provides a slower, sustained release of amino acids to help support muscle maintenance between meals⁹⁻¹⁰.

• β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) – A metabolite of leucine studied for its role in supporting lean body mass during periods of reduced calorie intake¹¹⁻¹².

• Fibersol®-2 – A soluble dietary fiber that may help promote satiety and digestive health¹³.

• Digestive Enzyme Blend – Helps support protein and fiber breakdown¹⁴.

• Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin K2 – Nutrients that play important roles in bone health and muscle function¹⁵⁻¹⁷.

• Sodium – An electrolyte that supports hydration and muscle contraction¹⁸.

Potential Benefits When Combined with a Healthy Lifestyle

When used alongside regular physical activity and a balanced diet, increasing protein and micronutrient intake may help:

• Support muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle breakdown during calorie restriction.

• Promote feelings of fullness, which may help with appetite control.

• Support bone mineralization and muscle function.

• Maintain metabolic rate by preserving lean body mass.

Conclusion

GLP-1 medications can be effective for weight management, but they can also result in reductions in lean mass. Incorporating high-quality protein, key micronutrients, and physical activity into a weight loss plan may help maintain muscle and bone health. Muscle Preserve Protein+ is designed to make meeting these nutritional needs more convenient as part of a complete wellness program.

References

1. Cassata, Cathy. “Ozempic Can Cause Major Loss of Muscle Mass and Reduce Bone Density.” Healthline, 2 May 2023. www.healthline.com/health-news/ozempic-muscle-mass-loss.

2. Bikou, Alexia, et al. “A Systematic Review of the Effect of Semaglutide on Lean Mass: Insights from Clinical Trials.” Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, vol. 25, no. 5, 2024, pp. 611–619. https://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2024.2343092.

3. Foley, Joanna. “Is Protein Good for Weight Loss? Yes — Here’s How It Helps.” GoodRx Health, 20 Nov. 2023. www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/is-protein-good-for-weight-loss.

4. “The Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Lean Mass.” PubMed Central, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 2023. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10308045.

5. Kim, Jung Eun, et al. “Whey Protein Ingestion and Muscle Mass: A Meta-Analysis.” Nutrition Reviews, vol. 74, no. 4, 2016, pp. 210–224. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuv105.

6. Spritzler, Franziska. “A High-Protein Diet Plan to Lose Weight and Improve Health.” Healthline Nutrition, 20 Dec. 2023. www.healthline.com/nutrition/high-protein-diet-plan.

7. “Protein Trends and Health Benefits.” Think USA Dairy, U.S. Dairy Export Council, 2023. www.thinkusadairy.org/news-events/think-dairy-articles/article/2019/03/04/protein-trends-and-health-benefits.

8. Hector, Amy J., et al. “Whey Protein Supplementation Preserves Postprandial Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis during Short-Term Energy Restriction in Overweight and Obese Adults.” The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 145, no. 2, 2015, pp. 246–252. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.114.200832.

9. Schmidgall, John. “Whey Protein 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” Healthline, 11 Sept. 2017. www.healthline.com/nutrition/whey-protein-101.

10. Arnarson, Atli. “10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Whey Protein.” Healthline Nutrition, 17 Feb. 2023. www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-whey-protein.

11. “Fonterra Showcases Next-Gen Sports Nutrition at Vitafoods 2023.” Nutraceutical Business Review, 9 May 2023. nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/fonterra-showcases-next-gen-sports-nutrition-at-vitafoods-2023-208721.

12. Cava, Edda, et al. “Investigating the Health Implications of Whey Protein Consumption: A Narrative Review of Risks, Adverse Effects, and Associated Health Issues.” ScienceDirect, 2023. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666522623000173.

13. Ye, Zuguo, et al. “Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on Muscle Mass and Strength in Adults: A Meta-Analysis.” Nutrition Research, vol. 35, no. 7, 2015, pp. 571–581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2015.06.008.

14. Gadkari, Pradip V., et al. “Fenugreek and Its Health Benefits.” Food Science & Nutrition, vol. 11, no. 12, 2023, pp. 2294–2310. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3959.

15. Jamilian, Mehri, and Zatollah Asemi. “Magnesium–Zinc–Calcium–Vitamin D Co-supplementation Improves Hormonal Profiles, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with PCOS: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Biological Trace Element Research, vol. 182, no. 1, 2018, pp. 21–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-017-1105-9.

16. Jensterle, Mojca, et al. “Therapeutic Potential of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: From Current Clinical Evidence to Future Perspectives.” Biomedicines, vol. 10, no. 8, 2022, Article 1989. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10081989.

17. “GLP-1 Agonists and Muscle Mass.” PubMed, National Library of Medicine, 2023. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37302021.

18. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Protein.” The Nutrition Source, 2023. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/.

19. “Lean Mass Loss in GLP-1 Therapy.” PubMed Central, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 2023. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9833421.

20. Hackworth, Kerry. “Are You Getting Enough Protein? Some Guidelines You Should Know.” GoodRx Health, 1 Aug. 2023. www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/am-i-getting-enough-protein.

21. “Protein Intake in Adults Using GLP-1 Therapy.” PubMed, National Library of Medicine, 2023. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37091273.

22. Panoff, Lauren. “How Much Protein Should You Eat Daily to Gain Muscle?” Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2023. www.verywellhealth.com/how-much-protein-should-you-eat-daily-to-gain-muscle-11717817.

FDA Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Important Note:
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you are taking medications, have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are nursing.