Semaglutides like Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight loss) have been in high demand in recent years, in large part because they are extremely effective at helping people lower their A1C and weight. But even effective medications have side effects.
"These medications can be revolutionary for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding in significant weight loss, which in turn can reduce the risk of events like a heart attack or stroke," saysDr. Zeeshan Khan, MD, chief of geriatrics at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "However, they are not without risks, especially for older adults."
For a period, it seemed like TikTok had a name for everything that could conceivably happen if you took Ozempic or Wegovy—Ozempic face, Ozempic hair, Ozempic butt. You name it, it probably existed in a TikTok video. But generally, people focus on the GI side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea, Dr. Khan tells Parade.
"These side effects can lead to dehydration and imbalances in essential body salts, or electrolytes, more quickly in seniors," he explains. "There's also a risk of low blood sugar—hypoglycemia—if these medications are taken with other diabetes drugs like insulin."
Dr. Khan says another concern with GLP-1s like Ozempic is the loss of muscle mass, particularly in people 60+. Is it inevitable, or can people do anything to prevent muscle loss on Ozempic (without ditching the drug, which generally leads to weight regain)? Geriatricians weighed in on the top thing people over 60 can do to protect themselves against muscle loss on Ozempic.
?SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week?
What Geriatricians Want Patients Over 60 To Do About Muscle Loss on Ozempic
Viktoriya Skorikova/Getty Images
Geriatricians are warning patients that it is vital to get the facts about muscle loss on Ozempic and similar drugs, like Wegovy, ASAP. They want people to understand that the risk of muscle loss with Ozempic exists, why it can happen, why it's riskier for people 60+ and how to prevent it.
"Understanding this balance of benefits and risks allows us to make an informed, shared decision about whether this treatment aligns with your personal health goals and quality of life," Dr. Khan says.
Studies suggest that people can lose significant amounts of muscle mass on semaglutide. What's more, a 2025 study of mice in The Journal of Physiology suggested that up to 40% of the weight lost on GLP-1s was lean muscle mass.
"Lean mass is everything in your body that isn’t fat, including your muscles, organs and bones," he explains.
Dr. Erika Hutz, DO,a geriatrician at Endeavor Health, echoes Dr. Khan's sentiments about seeking information on muscle loss with Ozempic. Dr. Hutz says patients over 60 have several resources that they can tap for help understanding and managing muscle loss while taking GLP-1s, mainly:
Your primary doctor or geriatrician, who can check your muscle mass, review your diet and make personalized recommendations.A registered dietitian, who can help you consume the calories and protein you need to manage your weight without sacrificing muscle mass.A certified personal trainer or physical therapist who can design safe and progressive strength programs (Dr. Hutz suggests looking for someone experienced with older adults).Related: Zepbound vs. Wegovy: Which Weight Loss Medication Is Better Right Now?
It might help to understand why muscle loss on Ozempic (and similar drugs) can happen. It ultimately comes down to the design of GLP-1s.
"The GLP-1 drugs work largely by reducing appetite and slowing the digestion process, leading to a decrease in caloric intake," explains Dr. Marzena Gieniusz, MD, a geriatrician in the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Northwell Health.
Semaglutide is highly effective, helping people lose an average of 15% of their body weight. But your body goes through a "remodeling" when you lose weight. If the "remodel" (weight loss and calorie restriction) occurs rapidly, you're at an especially high risk of losing muscle mass. And there are several reasons for muscle loss with GLP-1s.
"First, with a reduced appetite, it becomes challenging to consume enough protein, which is the essential building block for muscle," Dr. Khan says. "If your protein intake is too low, your body will start to pull from your muscle reserves."
Rapid weight loss can feel gratifying at first, but Dr. Khan says it can result in greater muscle loss. More gradual weight loss may better help preserve muscle.
Related: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro—Is There a Difference Between These Medications? Here’s What Experts Say
Why Extra Muscle Loss Matters to People Over 60
People over 60 are already more likely to experience muscle loss (or sarcopenia), even without GLP-1s, for many reasons. Dr. Gieniusz says that older adults are more likely to experience:
Decreased hormones (like testosterone and growth hormone)Nerve damageDecreased activityPoor nutritionChronic inflammation and conditions (like diabetes, cancer and kidney disease)"For individuals over 60, losing muscle mass is not just about a loss of strength; it's about a loss of independence and resilience," Dr. Khan states.
Dr. Hutz agrees. "Muscle isn’t just for looking fit—it helps us move safely, maintain balance and recover from illness or injury," she says. "Even small losses can increase the risk of falls, make everyday activities harder and slow recovery if you get sick. That’s why preserving muscle is especially important after 60."
Related: The Surprising Habit That Speeds up Muscle Loss After 60
Once you know that Ozempic and other diabetes and weight management medications can cause muscle loss, you can take additional steps to protect your health as you age. Geriatricians shared three more ways to reduce the risks of muscle loss on Ozempic and Wegovy.
Resistance training is your best line of defense, Dr. Khan says. "You need to send a clear signal to your body that your muscles are essential," he reveals. "I recommend engaging in resistance training at least three times per week."
But he does want to be clear: You don't need to become a bodybuilder. "You can use resistance bands, light weights or even your own body weight," he explains. "Exercises like squats—even modified by holding onto a chair—lunges, push-ups against a wall and rows with resistance bands are excellent."
Be sure to start slow. There's no need to go from 0 minutes of exercise to benching 60 pounds in one day.
"If you're new to this, start with a light intensity and focus on proper form," Dr. Khan says. "A few repetitions of each exercise is a great start. The goal is consistency and gradual progression."
A personal trainer can help.
2. Log cardio and other movement throughout the day
Lifting three times per week is one box to check on your physical activity list. But Dr. Hutz says you'll want to do more than go to the gym, leave and sit for the rest of the day.
"Walking, light cycling, gardening or gentle yoga helps maintain muscle and supports overall health," Dr. Hutz says. "Try to get at least 30 minutes most days, breaking it into shorter sessions if needed. Consistency matters more than intensity."
3. Get enough protein
Dr. Gieniusz implores people over 60 to eat nutrient-dense foods with sufficient protein (about 1 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight). She advises people over 60 (and anyone, really) to prioritize lean protein. Think chicken, fish and plant-based proteins. Protein shakes can help supplement your diet if needed.
"Work with a qualified professional on ensuring a reasonable calorie intake, and set reasonable weight loss goals without losing too much weight too quickly," she recommends.
Up Next:
Related: The One Strength Move Everyone Over 60 Should Do for a Longer Life, According to Trainers
Sources:
Dr. Zeeshan Khan, MD, chief of geriatrics at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical CenterDr. Marzena Gieniusz, MD, a geriatrician in the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.)Dr. Erika Hutz, DO, a geriatrician at Endeavor HealthSemaglutide impacts skeletal muscle to a similar extent as caloric restriction in mice with diet-induced obesity. The Journal of Physiology.Effects of Semaglutide on Muscle Structure and Function in the SLIM LIVER Study. Clinical Infectious Diseases.Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM. Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1-based therapies and mitigation strategies. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.Hence then, the article about muscle loss on ozempic is a real problem here s what geriatricians warn patients over 60 to do immediately was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Muscle Loss on Ozempic Is a Real Problem—Here’s What Geriatricians Warn Patients Over 60 To Do Immediately )
Also on site :
- LSG vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- IPL 2026, Match 32
- New York lawsuits target prediction market giants Coinbase and Gemini in major showdown
- Iran war: What’s happening on day 54 as Trump extends ceasefire?