What percentage of GLP-1 users experience muscle loss?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Muscle loss is a documented side effect of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, though the exact percentage of users affected remains unclear. Research suggests that when people lose weight on GLP-1s, a portion of that weight can come from lean muscle mass rather than fat alone. Factors like protein intake, resistance exercise, age, and dosage may influence how much muscle is lost.

If you're taking a GLP-1 and noticing weakness, fatigue, or changes in your body composition, it's worth investigating further. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify whether your symptoms align with muscle loss or point to another underlying issue—giving you clarity in minutes and guidance on the right next steps to discuss with your doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications are used to help with weight loss and managing blood sugar. Some studies suggest that these medications might cause a decrease in muscle mass, also known as lean body mass.

Research discusses changes in lean body mass with GLP-1 use, but often does not provide specific percentages of users experiencing muscle loss. Studies examining the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists also do not always specify how many people lose muscle. Reviews of the impact of specific GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide, on lean mass typically do not give a precise percentage of muscle loss.

While these references discuss the potential for muscle loss with GLP-1 medications, they do not specify how many people are affected. If you are using these medications and are experiencing concerning symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should consult with your healthcare provider.

(References)

Neeland IJ, Linge J, & Birkenfeld AL. (2024). Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1- .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 38937282.
Dubin RL, Heymsfield SB, Ravussin E, & Greenway FL. (2024). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist-based agents .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 39344838.
Bikou A, Dermiki-Gkana F, Penteris M, Constantinides TK, & Kontogiorgis C. (2024). A systematic review of the effect of semaglutide on lean mass. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 38629387.

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