What are the side effects of Semaglutide?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 38-year-old competitive cyclist. I started using compounded Semaglutide for weight management to improve my racing performance. While I have seen a drop in body fat, I am also noticing a decrease in muscle mass, and my endurance seems to be slightly affected. Is muscle loss a known side effect of GLP-1 (Glucagon-lik-peptide 1) receptor agonists like Semaglutide? I follow a strict high-protein diet and strength-train regularly. Should I adjust my workout or nutrition plan to prevent excessive muscle loss while still benefiting from the weight loss effects? Could this medication impact my metabolism or recovery time after intense training sessions?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I understand your concerns about the impact of compounded Semaglutide (Glucagon-like-peptide 1 receptor agonists) on your muscle mass and endurance.

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide primarily target fat loss, but some muscle loss can occur, especially if weight loss is rapid. This can affect your endurance and performance.

To prevent excessive muscle loss, I advise you to do the following:

Increasing protein intake: Ensure you consume enough protein to support muscle maintenance and repair.
Strength training: Continue with regular strength training to preserve muscle mass.
Balanced diet: Maintain a balanced diet with adequate calories to support your training needs.
Impact on metabolism and recovery: Semaglutide can affect metabolism and recovery time. It is important to monitor your body's response and adjust your training and nutrition accordingly.

Kindly consult a specialist doctor, talk with them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.