There's a science to maintaining your strength while losing weight on GLP-1s, and it's simpler than you might think. Meet Amelia: a CrossFit enthusiast and Orange Theory regular who loved backpacking through mountains, Amelia was far from sedentary. Yet when she gained weight during the pandemic's intense work schedule, even her rigorous fitness routine couldn't reverse the trend.
Amelia's story reveals something crucial missing from most discussions about GLP-1s and weight loss: being active alone isn't enough to protect your muscles during significant weight loss. But her eventual success – losing 114 pounds while maintaining her strength and returning to the mountain trails she loves – shows us exactly what does work.
Whether you're an athlete like Amelia or just starting your fitness journey, understanding how to protect your muscles during weight loss on GLP-1s isn't just about aesthetics – it's about building a stronger, more capable body that will serve you well for years to come.
Reality Check:
- Yes, some muscle loss during weight loss is normal
- No, GLP-1s don't directly cause muscle loss
- Surprising fact: GLP-1 users can actually preserve muscle better than traditional dieters
- The game-changer: Two simple strategies can protect your muscles while you lose weight
The Strategy That Changes Everything
Here's what headlines aren't telling you: Recent clinical data shows that people on newer GLP-1s like tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) typically lose only about 25% of their weight from muscle – significantly better than traditional diets where muscle loss often accounts for 30-40% of total weight lost.
But that doesn't mean we should just hope for the best. "One of the biggest mistakes I see," says Dr. Sowa, "is waiting until after weight loss to think about muscle preservation. By then, you've missed a crucial window of opportunity."
The Muscle Connection: More Than Just Strength
When starting a GLP-1 journey, many assume that simply staying active is enough to protect their muscles. But the science reveals a crucial insight: intentional muscle preservation requires a specific strategy, regardless of your fitness level.
This matters more than you might realize. Every pound of muscle you maintain:
- Keeps your metabolism running strong (muscle burns more calories than fat, even while you sleep)
- Supports your daily activities, from carrying groceries to climbing stairs
- Protects your joints during exercise and everyday movement
- Sets you up for better health as you age
Three-quarters of your resting metabolic rate – the calories you burn just existing – comes from your lean body mass. That's why maintaining muscle isn't just about strength; it's about creating a body that works efficiently for the long haul.
Your Two-Step Blueprint for Success:
Protecting your muscles while losing weight on GLP-1s comes down to two evidence-based strategies that work together
#1: Prioritize Protein (But Not How You Might Think)
Here's where many people go wrong: they try to eat the same way they did before starting GLP-1s, just less of everything. But when you're feeling less hungry overall, you need to be strategic about what you eat first.
Dr. Sowa points to a fascinating study from Cornell University that changed how she guides patients: simply changing the order in which you eat your food can lower your post-meal blood sugar by 30 points. The key? Eating protein first.
Your Protein Prescription:
- Aim for 20-40 grams of protein at every meal
- Start with protein before adding other foods
- For most people, this means targeting 60-100g total daily protein
#2: Start Strength Training (No Gym Required)
Being strategic about muscle preservation doesn't mean you need to become a bodybuilder. The goal is maintenance, not bulk. Even bodyweight exercises done regularly can help maintain muscle mass during weight loss.
Here are six simple exercises to get you started.
Aim to do these 2-3 times per week:
Modified Push-Up
Start with your hands slightly wider than shoulders on a counter or wall (the higher the surface, the easier). Keep your body in a straight line as you lower your chest toward the surface and push back up. As you get stronger, progress to hands on a lower surface and eventually the floor.
Bodyweight Squat
Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes slightly turned out. Keeping your chest up, sit back and down as if reaching for a chair behind you. Lower until your thighs are parallel to the ground (or as far as comfortable), then push through your heels to stand back up.
Step-Up
Using a sturdy step or stair, step up with your right foot, driving through your heel to bring your left foot up to meet it. Step back down and repeat, alternating leading legs. This exercise strengthens your legs while improving balance.
Sit-to-Stand
Using any sturdy chair, simply practice standing up and sitting down slowly. Focus on controlling the movement in both directions. This everyday movement strengthens your legs and core while improving balance.
Kitchen Counter Calf Raise
Hold your kitchen counter lightly for balance, then lift your heels off the ground and lower them back down. This simple movement strengthens your calves and ankles while improving balance.
Seated Leg Extension
While sitting in a chair, straighten one leg out in front of you, hold for a moment, then lower it back down. Alternate legs. This easy movement strengthens your thighs and can be done while watching TV.
If you want more support getting started in your strength training journey, we have partnered with acclaimed training coach Holly Rilinger to bring you a virtual strength training program just for GLP-1 users!
The next session launches in March 2025. Click here to learn more and sign up!
Making It Work in Real Life
Let's be real: getting enough protein can be challenging when you're on GLP-1s, especially in the early months when your appetite is significantly reduced. Here's what works:
Lead With Protein at Every Meal
The key is getting 20-40 grams of protein before your main meals. SoWell Protein makes this simple with convenient stick packs you can take anywhere. Unlike standard protein powders that can cause digestive upset – the last thing any GLP-1 user needs – it's specifically formulated for GLP-1 users with:
- Whey protein isolate for better digestion and absorption
- Digestive enzymes to prevent GI distress
- Added collagen to support skin elasticity during weight loss
Mix a stick pack with water before lunch and dinner to ensure you're getting adequate protein before your meals, when it matters most. This strategy helps control blood sugar and maintains satiety throughout the day.
Keep your options open with easy-to-digest protein foods:
- Egg whites or whole eggs
- Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Fish
- Lean meats
Plan for success with protein-rich backup options:
- Pre-portioned nuts
- String cheese
- Hard-boiled eggs
- SoWell Protein stick packs in your bag or desk
The Bottom Line
Success on GLP-1s isn't just about losing weight – it's about losing weight the right way. By protecting your muscles from day one through strategic protein intake and consistent strength training, you're not just changing your body composition; you're investing in your long-term health and vitality.
