Weight loss jabs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro have become increasingly popular, with 1.6 million Brits using GLP-1 medications last year. However, alongside common side effects like nausea and vision changes, a new concern has emerged: 'Ozempic butt'. This term describes a loss of volume or flattening of the buttocks following significant weight loss. Dr. Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, explains that this is not a direct side effect of the drugs but rather a consequence of rapid weight loss, which reduces both fat and muscle mass. Studies indicate that 25 to 40% of weight loss from these medications comes from lean body mass, including muscle.
Why Muscle Loss Matters
Muscle loss poses health risks beyond aesthetics. Dr. Wylie emphasizes that muscle is crucial for strength, mobility, and overall health. To preserve muscle while losing fat, she recommends regular resistance exercises such as weight training, squats, and lunges, along with adequate protein intake. The NHS advises adults to perform muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week, including stair climbing or heavy gardening.
Potential New Solution: Apitegromab
A new drug, apitegromab, is being tested in clinical trials to combat muscle loss during GLP-1 treatment. Administered intravenously, it works by blocking myostatin, a protein involved in muscle breakdown. In a 24-week trial involving 102 participants (mostly women), those receiving apitegromab and tirzepatide lost only 1.63 kg of lean mass, compared to 3.5 kg in the placebo group. Researchers call the findings promising but stress the need for further safety and long-term studies. Apitegromab is also being explored for conditions like spinal muscular atrophy.
