By now, we’ve all heard about the incredibly popular prescription injectable drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy that are creating rapid weight loss for people. Maybe you’ve seen friends who have successfully slimmed down or noticed Hollywood celebs like Sharon Osbourne looking extremely thin. However, alongside all the buzz and success stories are a growing number of side effects associated with these medications. One common side effect that keeps coming up is muscle pain. So we decided to turn to top doctors who are experts in the battle against obesity, prescribing these medications, to ask: can Ozempic cause muscle pain? Their answers may surprise you.
How Ozempic works
To fully understand the connection between Ozempic and muscle pain, it’s important to know how these drugs work. As a quick reminder, both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the active ingredient semaglutide. They are injected into the body and stimulate the release of insulin to balance blood sugar levels. Semaglutide also slows down digestion, making you feel full for longer. These medications are known as GLP-1-stimulating drugs because they mimic the effects of natural gut hormones that reduce appetite. All of these mechanisms contribute to weight loss.
Possible side effects of prescription weight-loss injections
The FDA, along with researchers and patients, have reported various side effects associated with the use of these injectable drugs. Some of these side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, vision changes, fainting, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, pain at the injection site, loss of facial fat (also known as “Ozempic face”), low blood sugar when combined with other blood sugar-lowering medications, and potential weight regain after stopping the drug. In addition, some users of semaglutide have experienced rare but serious kidney or gallbladder problems. Individuals with a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis should not take semaglutide.
Can Ozempic cause muscle pain?
The FDA does not identify muscle pain as a side effect of semaglutide. According to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, an osteopathic doctor and author, Ozempic does not directly affect skeletal muscle. She states that muscle pain is subjective and may be related to factors such as lack of exercise or other causes. However, some users of the weight-loss drug have reported experiencing muscle pain. One possible explanation could be pain at the injection site, similar to the discomfort felt after receiving a flu shot. Additionally, rapid weight loss accompanied by changes in the body and hormones can lead to fatigue and body aches.
The concern: Ozempic and muscle loss
While there is currently no research linking Ozempic to muscle pain, there is concern about its potential to cause muscle loss. A clinical trial conducted in 2021 found that approximately 40% of weight loss associated with semaglutide came from the loss of lean mass, including muscle tissue. This is worse than the results observed with other rapid weight-loss methods such as crash diets or gastric bypass surgery. Dr. Kathleen Jordan, Chief Medical Officer at Midi Health, emphasizes that muscle loss is common during weight loss regardless of the method used. However, faster weight loss through medications like Ozempic or bariatric surgery can contribute to a greater reduction in muscle mass.
What doctors say about Ozempic and muscle loss
According to Dr. Charlie Seltzer, muscle loss is not directly caused by Ozempic but rather occurs when patients do not consume enough protein or engage in regular exercise to preserve their muscle mass. Dr. Shauna Levy, medical director of Tulane Hospital’s Bariatric and Weight Loss Center, emphasizes the many health benefits of GLP-1 medications and believes that the loss of lean muscle mass should not deter prescribing them. However, she emphasizes the importance of warning patients about the potential for muscle loss and the need to prioritize exercise, particularly strength training, to preserve muscle strength and mass.
Muscle changes can be dangerous for older adults
Muscle loss can be especially problematic for individuals over the age of 50, as it becomes more challenging to regain muscle with age. Dr. Jeremy Walston, co-director of the Biology of Healthy Aging program at Johns Hopkins, explains that there is a natural decline in muscle strength and mass as people age, and this decline tends to accelerate later in life. Muscle loss with age is referred to as sarcopenia, and individuals with metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity are at a higher risk of experiencing it.
Muscle loss is more common in women
Women are at an increased risk of muscle loss when using weight-loss medications. Dr. Walston explains that there is a rapid decline in muscle mass after menopause, while men do not experience this decline to the same extent due to the protective effects of testosterone on skeletal muscle. Dr. Walston notes that women, in particular, should focus on strengthening their shoulder and upper arm muscles, as weakness in these areas can lead to tearing of the fascia layers.
How to use Ozempic to improve muscle health
The FDA recommends using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise. When used correctly, some experts believe that these medications can actually improve muscle health rather than weaken it. Dr. Sue Decotiis, a weight-loss doctor in New York City, states that semaglutides enhance fat burning and can even aid in muscle and bone building. She emphasizes the importance of proper care, including regular weigh-ins and body composition monitoring, to prevent muscle loss.
Dr. Jordan advises patients to aim for a high protein intake and engage in strength-training exercises while taking GLP-1 medications. These interventions can help preserve muscle mass while promoting weight loss, which comes with numerous health benefits such as a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Dr. Jordan stresses that the ultimate goal is overall health, and these medications play a valuable role in achieving that goal.
Tips to protect muscle during weight loss
There are simple strategies that can help prevent muscle loss during weight loss. Three proven methods include consuming adequate protein, spreading protein intake throughout the day rather than saving it for dinner, and considering supplements like vitamin D, which is essential for muscle-building. Additionally, engaging in weight training and resistance training can help protect lean muscle mass and build strength.
In conclusion, while Ozempic and similar injectable weight-loss medications may not directly cause muscle pain according to the FDA, there is a concern about their potential to induce muscle loss. However, with proper diet, exercise, and muscle-preserving strategies, individuals can minimize this risk and achieve successful weight loss while maintaining their muscle health.
