A new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine has raised concerns about unexpected muscle loss among patients using widely prescribed weight-loss and diabetes medications.
The research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, focused on incretin-based medications such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide—two drugs commonly used to treat obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
Led by obesity and nutrition specialist John A. Batsis, the study found that patients taking these medications are losing a higher proportion of muscle mass during weight loss than researchers had initially expected.
Higher-Than-Expected Muscle Loss Raises Concerns
While some muscle loss is normal during weight reduction, the scale observed in this study surprised researchers. The findings suggest that muscle loss relative to overall weight reduction may be more significant than previously understood.
Professor Batsis noted that these results highlight the need for healthcare providers to pay closer attention to muscle health when prescribing such medications. He emphasized that monitoring muscle mass should become a routine part of patient care during medically supervised weight loss.
The research team also recommended that muscle-health evaluations be included as standard measurements in future clinical trials involving weight-loss medications.
Lack Of Data On Older Adults Raises Safety Questions
One of the most concerning findings was the lack of research involving older adults. The study showed that very few clinical trials included participants aged over 60, and none specifically focused on adults aged 65 or above.
This gap is particularly significant because muscle loss in older individuals can increase the risk of falls, reduce mobility, and negatively impact overall quality of life.
Experts warn that without targeted research, doctors may not fully understand the long-term risks these medications pose to ageing populations.
Call For More Research And Better Monitoring
Researchers are now urging the medical community to conduct new clinical trials specifically designed to evaluate how these drugs affect older adults.
Such studies, they say, should focus not only on weight reduction but also on mobility, muscle strength, and overall wellbeing.
The team stressed that while these medications remain effective for managing obesity and diabetes, patients and doctors should remain aware of potential side effects—particularly muscle loss—and take preventive measures when necessary.