Meta-analysis · 2025
Body Composition Changes with GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Lean Mass Meta-analysis
Pooled analysis of DEXA substudies · Obesity Reviews
Roughly 25–40% of total weight lost on incretin therapy is lean mass unless resistance training and protein intake are addressed — the most practically important open question in the field.
Key findings
- Lean-mass fraction of loss comparable to caloric restriction
- Resistance training substantially attenuates lean loss
- Older adults show the highest sarcopenia risk
Limitations
DEXA cannot distinguish muscle quality; heterogeneous protocols across included trials.