Health · Moderate evidence
GLP-1: Lean Mass and Regain After Discontinuation
These medications produce substantial weight loss, part of which is lean mass; upon discontinuation, much of the weight returns. Exercise combined with treatment better preserved body composition and weight maintenance.
Phase 3 randomized controlled trials, trial extension, and review · 5 sources · 2 min
What the studies show
- Semaglutide and tirzepatide produced average weight losses of about 15% to over 20% in 68 to 72 weeks.
- One year after discontinuing semaglutide, participants regained about two-thirds of the lost weight.
- Supervised exercise combined with liraglutide better maintained weight loss and reduced more body fat than either strategy alone.
- Reviews indicate that part of the loss is lean mass and that resistance training and protein are the mitigation strategies.
How Letz applies it
For users reporting treatment, Letz prioritizes strength and protein in their targets and prepares the transition to maintenance alongside their healthcare provider.
Who it applies to
Adults with obesity on prescribed treatment.
Limits
The trials used intensive lifestyle counseling; the app does not replace this guidance nor make decisions regarding treatment.
Sources
- Wilding et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2021 DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Wilding et al., Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2022 DOI 10.1111/dom.14725
- Jastreboff et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2022 DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
- Lundgren et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2021 DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2028198
- Neeland et al., Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2024 DOI 10.1111/dom.15728
More in Health
- Nutritional Support During GLP-1 TreatmentMonitoring should prioritize symptoms, nutritional adequacy, protein, resistance training, and preserving lean mass and function.
- Daily StepsMore steps per day are associated with lower mortality up to an age-dependent plateau; in weight loss programs, accumulating around 10,000 steps with a portion at a moderate pace was associated with greater weight loss.
- Sedentary TimeAny intensity of physical activity, including light intensity, is associated with lower mortality, while more sedentary time is linked to higher risk, following a non-linear dose-response relationship.
- Strength, Conditioning, and LongevityMuscle-strengthening activities for 30 to 60 minutes per week and higher cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with lower mortality and fewer chronic diseases.