Beyond fat: Does semaglutide affect lean mass?

Abstract

This opinion paper aims to discuss the influence of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), on lean mass beyond its impact on weight loss. Although significant weight loss is achieved with semaglutide, the impact of this drug on lean mass remains controversial. Several investigations have demonstrated that semaglutide-induced weight loss is linked to decreases in lean mass as well as fat mass; on the other hand, the ratio of lean mass to total body mass rises. Nevertheless, larger clinical trials have reported converse findings and significant reductions in lean mass following treatment with semaglutide. This disparity in research findings emphasizes the necessity for additional studies on this subject because semaglutide use is rising quickly.

Keywords: Body composition; Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist; Lean mass; Semaglutide.