Simple Supplement May Protect Against Muscle Loss During Weight-Loss Medication
A new study reveals that ketone supplements can help prevent muscle loss associated with weight-loss drugs like semaglutide, potentially making these treatments safer and more effective.
A recent study from the University of Alberta suggests that incorporating a ketone supplement could significantly reduce muscle loss associated with the use of weight-loss drugs like semaglutide, commonly found in medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. These drugs are effective at promoting fat loss but often lead to unintended reduction in skeletal muscle mass and even affect heart muscle, raising concerns about long-term health impacts.
In the study, researchers observed that while weight loss from these medications predominantly involves fat reduction, a notable decline in muscle mass—up to 40% of total weight loss—also occurs. More alarmingly, the heart muscle was found to shrink as well, which could have adverse effects, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
To address this issue, scientists explored the role of ketones, natural energy sources produced by the liver during fasting or low-carb diets. Ketones are vital in preserving skeletal muscle mass, and their supplementation was tested using a ketone ester, which the body converts into ketones.
In experiments with obese mice, combined treatment with semaglutide and a ketone ester demonstrated remarkable results. The animals experienced less muscle and cardiac mass loss compared to those receiving semaglutide alone. Although the overall weight loss was slightly lower, the key improvement was the preservation of muscle tissue, suggesting that ketone supplementation could make weight-loss drugs safer.
The underlying mechanism involves mitochondria—the cells' energy factories. Semaglutide appears to impair mitochondrial function, leading to muscle breakdown for energy. Ketones help maintain mitochondrial health, thus protecting muscles from wasting. This breakthrough points towards a promising strategy to enhance the safety profile of popular weight-loss medications, which have become widely used globally.
This innovative approach highlights the potential of ketone therapy as an adjunct to existing weight-loss treatments, aiming to optimize fat loss while minimizing muscle loss. Further research is needed to explore its effectiveness and safety in humans, but the findings are a promising step toward safer obesity management.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-simple-supplement-muscle-loss-weight.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Understanding How Some People with HIV Naturally Control the Virus Without Medication
Recent discoveries reveal that certain individuals living with HIV can naturally control the virus without medication. Key factors include gut bacteria and specific biochemical compounds that inhibit HIV, paving the way for innovative prevention strategies.
Enhancing AI Accuracy in Antibody Identification Through Challenging Negative Data
Innovative research shows that training AI models with challenging negative data significantly improves their ability to identify effective antibodies, boosting drug discovery and biomedical research.
Advances in Lung Disease Research: Using iPSCs on Microfluidic Chips
Innovative lung-on-chip models using iPSCs offer new insights into respiratory infections and personalized treatment approaches. Learn how Kyoto University researchers are advancing lung disease research with microfluidic technology.
Feasibility of Large-Scale Neuroimaging Data Collection in Low-Income Communities
A new study demonstrates the successful and cost-effective collection of high-quality neuroimaging data in low- and middle-income communities, paving the way for more inclusive and scalable brain research.