Weight-loss injections can make your body age by ten years

Experts have issued a warning that using weight-loss injections could accelerate the body's aging process by up to a decade. An international review of these medications revealed that reductions in lean body mass may put middle-aged and older adults at higher risk of frailty and falls.

In the UK alone, approximately 2.5 million people are reported to be using these injections. While the medications are associated with numerous health benefits, including cutting heart-related deaths in half and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, concerns about muscle loss are growing.

The global review, led by Canadian researchers, emphasizes that without accompanying strength training, users of these injections may experience significant muscle loss. Commissioned by fitness company Les Mills and supported by the non-profit UKactive, the report is among the first comprehensive studies to assess how weight-loss medications affect lean body mass and other potential side effects.

According to the findings, the amount of muscle lost can equate to roughly ten years of natural aging. Dr. Gillian Hatfield, an associate professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, highlighted a study where participants who exercised 150 minutes per week while maintaining a 500-calorie deficit still lost around 11% of their lean body mass.

Dr. Hatfield noted, This level of muscle loss is comparable to the effects seen after bariatric surgery, cancer treatment, or approximately a decade of aging. Additional studies cited in the review found that 2050% of body mass lost during treatment was lean muscle.

Frailty and Fall Risks Increase

The review underscores the importance of strength training to preserve muscle mass, particularly for older adults whose muscle and bone mass naturally decline with age. Muscle loss associated with weight-loss medications may exacerbate frailty and elevate the risk of falls. Research indicates that exercise can help maintain muscle and bone mass both during and after using these treatments.

Although there is limited research on optimal resistance training for individuals on weight-loss injections, the report recommends performing such exercises two to three times per week alongside 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that patients prescribed these injections receive support on diet, nutrition, and physical activity, including strength training. The report calls for collaboration between the government, healthcare sector, and fitness industry to better support those taking weight-loss medications.

Dr. Matthew Wade, interim director of research at UKactive, commented: Millions of people in the UK use weight-loss medications, but this evidence highlights the dangers of neglecting strength training and exercise during treatment. The health and fitness sector can offer support, but government action is needed to ensure comprehensive guidance for patients.

Bryce Hastings, head of research at Les Mills, added: Strength training is essential for health at every age, and its particularly important for people taking weight-loss medications. Regular resistance exercises two to three times per week, combined with 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity weekly, can help maintain fat loss and reduce weight regain after treatment.

He concluded, Further research is needed to understand the connection between weight-loss medications and strength training, but our report provides practical steps to better support the growing population using these treatments.

Author: Lucas Grant