We earn a commission from brands on this page, which impacts their display. Advertising disclosure

Compare GLP-1 providers

Explainer

Lose the weight, keep your muscle

By the TreatmentMD editorial team

Updated 6 min read

A smiling woman stretching her arms overhead in white activewear

Key takeaways

  • Most of the weight you lose on a GLP-1 is fat. Some muscle goes too, as it does with any big weight loss.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information and Medication Guides for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Adverse Reactions; Clinical Pharmacology.All sourcesU.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA. Multidisciplinary review and evaluation of Foundayo™ (orforglipron), NDA 220934. 2026.Open the source All sources
  • Strength training and enough protein are the two habits that help you keep it.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources
  • Your clinician can help you find your protein number and keep an eye on your strength along the way.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

By the TreatmentMD editorial team

You may have seen headlines saying GLP-1s cost you muscle. There's some truth in them, but the full picture is a lot calmer. And you have more say in it than you might think.

Here's what actually happens to your muscle as you lose weight, and the simple habits that help you keep it.

01The short answer

Do GLP-1s cause muscle loss?

Some, the way any big weight loss does. Most of the weight you lose on a GLP-1 is fat, and some is muscle and other lean tissue.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information and Medication Guides for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Adverse Reactions; Clinical Pharmacology.All sources

That happens however you lose weight, whether it's through diet, surgery or medicine.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA. Multidisciplinary review and evaluation of Foundayo™ (orforglipron), NDA 220934. 2026.Open the source All sourcesBMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

The FDA checks body scans for every weight-loss medicine, and it calls this simply the normal way a body loses weight.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA. Multidisciplinary review and evaluation of Foundayo™ (orforglipron), NDA 220934. 2026.Open the source All sources

02How much

How much of the weight you lose is muscle?

Less than you might think. Body scans measure lean mass, which is everything that isn't fat: muscle, but also water, organs and other tissue.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA. Multidisciplinary review and evaluation of Foundayo™ (orforglipron), NDA 220934. 2026.Open the source All sources

In studies of these medicines, lean mass makes up about 25% to 30% of the weight lost. With diet alone it's about a quarter, so it's much the same.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

And muscle is only about half of lean mass. That's why the "40% is muscle" headlines miss the mark. The 40% was lean mass, from one study, and it works out to about 20% muscle.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sources

Here's a nice twist, too. Since you lose more fat than lean, the share of your body that's lean can actually go up. It did in Wegovy®'s main study.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA. Clinical review of Wegovy® (semaglutide), NDA 215256. June 2021.Open the source All sources

03The bigger picture

Does losing some muscle matter?

For most people, the bigger picture is good news. In studies, people said moving around got easier as the weight came off.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA. Multidisciplinary review and evaluation of Foundayo™ (orforglipron), NDA 220934. 2026.Open the source All sourcesBMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

Scans also suggest the muscle you keep can get leaner inside, with less fat tucked into it.The Lancet Diabetes and EndocrinologySourceSattar N, Neeland IJ, Dahlqvist Leinhard O, et al. Tirzepatide and muscle composition changes in people with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-3 MRI): a post-hoc analysis of a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, phase 3 trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025;13(6):482-493.Open the source All sources

Still, your muscle is worth looking after, and a couple of simple habits go a long way.

04Who it matters most for

Who should pay a little more attention?

Keeping muscle matters a little more for some people. That includes older adults, women around menopause, people who aren't very active yet, and anyone finding it hard to eat much.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sources

If that's you, nothing about the plan changes. The habits below just matter a bit more, and for older adults, a little balance work helps too.U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.Open the source All sources

Reassuringly, in tirzepatide's main study, people 65 and over lost the same mix of fat and lean as younger people.Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismSourceLook M, Dunn JP, Kushner RF, et al. Body composition changes during weight reduction with tirzepatide in the SURMOUNT-1 study of adults with obesity or overweight. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025;27(5):2720-2729.Open the source All sources Your clinician may just keep a closer eye on your strength along the way.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

If you can barely eat, or the weight is coming off very fast, let your clinician know. They may adjust your dose so you can eat enough.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sourcesThe American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sources

05Protein

How much protein do you need?

Probably more than usual. While you're eating less, protein helps your muscles hold on, and doctors' guidelines say to make sure you get enough.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

Obesity and nutrition experts suggest about 80 to 120 grams a day for many people while losing weight.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sources That's a range, not a rule. Your clinician or a dietitian can help you find your number, especially if you have kidney or heart problems.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

A simple trick is to eat it first, before you start to feel full.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sourcesCleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. Taking GLP-1s? Make sure you exercise. May 5, 2026.Open the source All sources And try to have some at every meal, as the Dietary Guidelines suggest for everyone.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of AgricultureSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. January 2026.Open the source All sources

Foods that pack protein into a small space make it easier, like fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and nut butters. And on low-appetite days, a shake or bar can fill the gap.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sources

Protein does its best work alongside strength training, though, which is where we're headed next.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sources Our guide to what to eat on a GLP-1 has more meal ideas.

06Strength training

What kind of exercise helps most?

A woman doing a resistance-band workout

Strength training, also called resistance training, is the star here. It does the most to protect your muscle while you lose weight.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sourcesU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.Open the source All sources

In weight-loss studies, people who added strength training held on to their lean mass.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

Guidelines suggest working all your major muscle groups at least twice a week, and many experts suggest three sessions on a GLP-1.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sourcesU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.Open the source All sources

You don't need a gym, either. Weights, resistance bands, body-weight moves like push-ups and planks, even carrying heavy groceries or heavy gardening, like digging, all count.U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.Open the source All sources

New to exercise? Start with 10 to 15 minutes of light activity a day, like walking. Then build up, adding weight, reps or sets as you go.Cleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. Taking GLP-1s? Make sure you exercise. May 5, 2026.Open the source All sources A trainer or exercise physiologist can help you set up a plan.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sourcesCleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. Taking GLP-1s? Make sure you exercise. May 5, 2026.Open the source All sources

And keep walking too. Working toward about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week is great for your heart and overall health.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sourcesU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.Open the source All sources

07Checking in

How can you tell if you're keeping your muscle?

The scale can't tell fat from muscle, so notice how you feel and move instead.

Good signs are everyday things feeling the same or easier, like getting up from a chair, climbing stairs or carrying groceries.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sources Clinicians use simple tests like these, too.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

Some clinicians also use a body scan, like a DEXA scan, to measure fat and lean. Scans measure muscle, not how strong it is, so your everyday strength still counts most.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sources

08Easy habits

What helps prevent muscle loss?

Here's the short version:

  1. Protein first

    Start meals with it, before you fill up.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sources

  2. Some at every meal

    With a shake or bar on low-appetite days.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sourcesU.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of AgricultureSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. January 2026.Open the source All sources

  3. Strength train twice a week or more

    Legs, hips, back, chest, belly, shoulders and arms.U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.Open the source All sources

  4. Keep moving

    Work toward about 150 minutes a week.U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.Open the source All sources

  5. Add balance work

    Especially as you get older.U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.Open the source All sources

  6. Speak up

    Tell your clinician if you can barely eat or feel weaker.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

  7. Keep it going

    The strength habit is worth keeping, even if you stop the medicine.Cleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. Taking GLP-1s? Make sure you exercise. May 5, 2026.Open the source All sources

09Getting started

Ready to get started?

A good program checks in on how you're eating and feeling, not just your weight. Several of the programs we rank include coaching, and each of our reviews says what's included.

Our ranking compares them side by side.

Frequently asked questions.

Can you build muscle on a GLP-1?

Yes, you can get stronger.

Strength training helps you keep your muscle while you lose weight.U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.Open the source All sources

And in a study that paired an older GLP-1, liraglutide, with exercise, people kept their strength, so they ended up a little stronger for their size.Sports MedicineSourceJensen SBK, Fiorenza M, Juhl CR, et al. Physical fitness with exercise and GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment alone or combined after diet-induced weight loss: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial in adults with obesity. Sports Med. 2026;56(7):1785-1800.Open the source All sources

Do I need protein shakes?

Not if food has you covered.

On days you can't manage much, a shake or bar can fill the gap.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sources

It's worth checking the label, since some come with extras you don't need.Cleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. Taking GLP-1s? Make sure you exercise. May 5, 2026.Open the source All sources

Should I take creatine?

With strength training, creatine has added a little strength in studies of older adults.

It hasn't been tested alongside GLP-1s yet, though, so it's one to ask your clinician about.European Review of Aging and Physical ActivitySourceLiu S, Huang N, Wu W, et al. The impact of creatine supplementation associated with resistance training on muscular strength and lean tissue mass in the aged: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2025;22(1):26.Open the source All sourcesClinical NutritionSourceOstojic SM, Galyean S. Creatine for glucagon-like peptide-1-associated muscle loss. Clin Nutr. 2026;66:106805.Open the source All sources

Can a GLP-1 make you feel weak or tired?

Some people feel tired, and it's on the labels' list of common side effects.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information and Medication Guides for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Adverse Reactions; Clinical Pharmacology.All sources

If you feel weak or wiped out, it's worth a quick message to your clinician.

If eating enough is hard, they may adjust your dose.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

What about my bones?

Weight loss can affect your bones too, so the same habits help: strength training, enough protein and staying active.The American Journal of Clinical NutritionSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367.Open the source All sourcesU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSourceU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018.Open the source All sources If you're older, or your bones are on the thin side, it's worth a chat with your clinician.BMJ Open Diabetes Research & CareSourceAmerican Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729.Open the source All sources

Is "Ozempic face" muscle loss?

Mostly not.

It's a nickname for the hollower look some faces get after losing fat quickly, and it can happen with any big weight loss.Cleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. How taking a GLP-1 medication can affect your face, body and overall appearance. September 9, 2026.Open the source All sources

Your butt's shape comes from both fat and muscle, though, so strength work there can help it keep some volume.Cleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. How taking a GLP-1 medication can affect your face, body and overall appearance. September 9, 2026.Open the source All sources

Is there a medicine that protects muscle?

Not yet, though a few are being tested alongside GLP-1s.

They're still in trials and none is approved, so for now, protein and strength training are your best tools.Nature MedicineSourceHeymsfield SB, Aronne LJ, Montgomery P, et al. Bimagrumab plus semaglutide alone or in combination for the treatment of obesity: a randomized phase 2 trial. Nat Med. 2026;32(3):869-882.Open the source All sourcesNature MedicineSourcePratley RE, Denham DS, Trivedi R, et al. Apitegromab for lean mass preservation during tirzepatide-induced weight loss: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. Nat Med. 2026;32(7):2673-2678.Open the source All sources

What happens to my muscle if I stop?

Keep up the strength training either way.

It's a habit worth keeping whether or not you stay on the medicine.Cleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. Taking GLP-1s? Make sure you exercise. May 5, 2026.Open the source All sources

Our guide to stopping a GLP-1 covers the rest.

Does one GLP-1 keep more muscle than another?

There's no fair comparison yet, since each was studied on its own, in different ways.

With each, most of the weight lost was fat.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information and Medication Guides for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Adverse Reactions; Clinical Pharmacology.All sources

The bottom line

Some muscle goes with any big weight loss, and on a GLP-1 most of what you lose is fat.

Strength training and enough protein help you keep your muscle, and your clinician is there along the way.

When you're ready, compare programs on our ranking to find one that fits.

By the TreatmentMD editorial team

Medical disclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any weight-loss program or medication. Individual results may vary.

Sources16 sources, and product and safety information
  1. 1FDA prescribing information and Medication Guides for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Adverse Reactions; Clinical Pharmacology.
  2. 2FDA. Multidisciplinary review and evaluation of Foundayo™ (orforglipron), NDA 220934. 2026. fda.gov
  3. 3American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729. doi.org
  4. 4Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;122(1):344-367. doi.org
  5. 5FDA. Clinical review of Wegovy® (semaglutide), NDA 215256. June 2021. fda.gov
  6. 6Sattar N, Neeland IJ, Dahlqvist Leinhard O, et al. Tirzepatide and muscle composition changes in people with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-3 MRI): a post-hoc analysis of a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, phase 3 trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025;13(6):482-493. doi.org
  7. 7U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. 2018. odphp.health.gov
  8. 8Look M, Dunn JP, Kushner RF, et al. Body composition changes during weight reduction with tirzepatide in the SURMOUNT-1 study of adults with obesity or overweight. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025;27(5):2720-2729. doi.org
  9. 9Cleveland Clinic. Taking GLP-1s? Make sure you exercise. May 5, 2026. clevelandclinic.org
  10. 10U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. January 2026. realfood.gov
  11. 11Jensen SBK, Fiorenza M, Juhl CR, et al. Physical fitness with exercise and GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment alone or combined after diet-induced weight loss: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial in adults with obesity. Sports Med. 2026;56(7):1785-1800. doi.org
  12. 12Liu S, Huang N, Wu W, et al. The impact of creatine supplementation associated with resistance training on muscular strength and lean tissue mass in the aged: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2025;22(1):26. doi.org
  13. 13Ostojic SM, Galyean S. Creatine for glucagon-like peptide-1-associated muscle loss. Clin Nutr. 2026;66:106805. doi.org
  14. 14Cleveland Clinic. How taking a GLP-1 medication can affect your face, body and overall appearance. September 9, 2026. clevelandclinic.org
  15. 15Heymsfield SB, Aronne LJ, Montgomery P, et al. Bimagrumab plus semaglutide alone or in combination for the treatment of obesity: a randomized phase 2 trial. Nat Med. 2026;32(3):869-882. doi.org
  16. 16Pratley RE, Denham DS, Trivedi R, et al. Apitegromab for lean mass preservation during tirzepatide-induced weight loss: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. Nat Med. 2026;32(7):2673-2678. doi.org

Product information

  • Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related medical condition. It is also approved for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, and should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
  • Ozempic® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss; however, weight reduction has been observed in some individuals with type 2 diabetes using the medication.
  • Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss; however, weight reduction has been observed in some individuals using the medication.
  • Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable or oral medication FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or adults with overweight and at least one weight-related medical condition, when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
  • All medications require a medical evaluation and prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Individual results may vary.

Important safety information

  • Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are prepared by state-licensed pharmacies and are not FDA approved. The FDA does not review their safety, effectiveness or quality, and clinical trial results for brand-name drugs do not carry over to them.
  • Semaglutide and tirzepatide carry a boxed warning for a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, based on animal studies, and are not for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2, or who is pregnant. Other warnings include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and a higher risk of low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. The most common side effects are digestive, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
  • This is a high-level summary, not a complete list. A licensed clinician will review your health history to decide whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you.

Our #1 pick

Ready to start? welludr. is our pick.

The lowest advertised price on our list, with unlimited clinician messaging.

Visit welludr.Compare providers