They tell you lose weight….It’s good for your health
Then they say try this peptide called semaglutide out….It can help.
And a few months later you have lost weight
But you feel weak, frail and tired
This is what happened:
We gotta understand what semaglutide is first.
Semaglutide is a medication that is commonly used to help individuals with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin and decreasing the amount of glucose that is released into the bloodstream.
Blah Blah Blah, that’s the book definition of semaglutide (actually AI wrote that 😁).
Here is the real deal. It keeps your sugar levels in check so you don’t get big insulin spikes causing fat to accumulate. It also keeps you full for longer by some fancy jargon called gastric emptying. Basically, you won’t feel like stuffing your face with cheeseburgers all day long.
Semaglutide is typically prescribed in the form of a subcutaneous injection that is administered once a week. There is also some evidence that shows its good for your heart. But again its probably only good for your heart because you’re not stuffing your face with cheeseburgers 😁😁
Here is where things get tricky. Since your not eating those cheeseburgers and your total calories are down there is the potential for muscle loss in some individuals. This can be especially concerning for those who are already dealing with conditions that affect their muscle mass, such as sarcopenia or age-related muscle loss.
Fortunately, there are a 2 simple things we can do to prevent this. #1 is continuing to eat adequate amounts of protein and #2 is lift weights. Super simple right!
This is how semaglutide works.
For all you nerds out there here is the full breakdown of how Semaglutide works:
It mimics the actions of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is released from the intestine after meals and has several effects on the body, including reducing appetite, slowing down the rate at which the stomach empties, and increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptors in the body. This leads to increased insulin secretion from the pancreas, reduced glucose production by the liver, and decreased appetite and food intake. Semaglutide also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which helps to control blood sugar levels after meals.
While semaglutide has been shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, there is a risk of losing muscle mass while taking the medication. This is because semaglutide can reduce the absorption of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle. This is why it is important to take steps to prevent muscle loss while taking semaglutide, such as eating plenty of protein, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks from exercise.
WOW…..Hope you got all of that. My head hurts after writing that. 🤣🤣
Eat protein to prevent muscle loss on semaglutide
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair!
So if you decide to just skip eating any of it your probably going to lose some muscle mass. 🤷♀️🤷♀️
Here is what you can do to help yourself out:
– Make sure to include protein-rich foods like chicken, eggs, and meat in your meals.
– Consider adding a protein supplement, like whey or plant-based protein powder, to your shakes or smoothies.
– Don’t be afraid to eat like a caveman! After all, our Paleolithic ancestors survived on protein-rich diets.
Protein is no laughing matter when it comes to maintaining muscle mass while taking semaglutide. Make sure to prioritize protein in your diet to keep those gains!
You gotta get the rest if you wanna keep the gains!
Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do to prevent muscle loss while taking semaglutide. If you find yourself losing muscle mass and feeling fatigued try getting some more rest. AKA lay off the pre-workout and espresso and try taking a NAP! Here is why it’s important:
– Lack of sleep can lead to decreased energy and motivation, making it more difficult to stick to your exercise and nutrition plan. When you’r tired cortisol levels are elevated leading to cravings of sugar and carbs.
– Studies have shown that people who consistently get 7-9 hours of sleep per night have higher levels of muscle mass and lower levels of body fat than those who don’t.
To ensure that you’re getting enough sleep, try these tips:
– Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as closely as possible, even on weekends.
– Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help your body wind down before sleep.
– Make sure your sleeping environment is cool, dark, and quiet.
– Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can interfere with sleep quality.
Take a break from working out…….WTF!
Taking a break from exercise may sound CRAZY!
But here us out first.
When you’re trying to prevent muscle loss on semaglutide it is important to let your body fully recover. If you’re not letting your body fully recover from previous workouts and you’re not fueling yourself well (because of the semaglutide) your body will fall into a catabolic state. And this aint good!
When your in a catabolic state your body will burn muscle for fuel. You will feel tired sluggish and weak.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to take a break from exercise and allow your body to recover. This doesn’t mean you should stop exercising altogether, but rather, you should scale back on your intensity and frequency. This will give your muscles the opportunity to rest and repair, which is crucial for building and maintaining muscle mass.
In addition, taking a break from exercise can also help reduce your risk of injury. Semaglutide can weaken your muscles, which can increase your likelihood of strains, sprains, and other injuries. By taking a step back from your workout routine, you can avoid putting unnecessary stress on your muscles and reduce your risk of injury.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should become completely sedentary. Light exercise, such as walking or stretching, can still be beneficial for maintaining your fitness level without putting too much stress on your muscles. However, it’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you start to feel fatigued or experience any pain or discomfort, it’s best to take a break and allow your body to rest.
Ultimately, taking a break from exercise can be an important step in preventing muscle loss on semaglutide. By giving your muscles time to rest and repair, you can reduce your risk of injury and maintain your strength and muscle mass over the long term.
BCAA’s…..aren’t those a gimmick?
If you are concerned about losing muscle on semaglutide, you may want to consider incorporating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) into your diet. BCAAs are essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through food or supplements.
BCAAs are important for muscle growth and recovery. They have been shown to help prevent muscle breakdown during exercise and promote muscle protein synthesis, which is the process of building new muscle tissue. Normally if your eating an adequate diet these would not be necessary. BUT if you are on semaglutide and want to maintain your muscle mass it can be beneficial. Just avoid the ones with sucralose because that shit is bad for you!
Research suggests that taking BCAAs before or after exercise can help reduce muscle soreness and damage, and improve muscle function. BCAAs may also help increase energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve endurance, which can make it easier to maintain an active lifestyle.
You can find BCAAs in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. You can also take BCAA supplements in the form of powders, capsules, or drinks. Make sure to choose a high-quality supplement and follow the recommended dosage.
You better be taking creatine!
Another way to prevent losing muscle on semaglutide is by taking creatine supplements. Creatine is a naturally occurring substance that can help your body produce more ATP, which is the energy molecule that fuels your muscles. By increasing the amount of ATP in your muscles, you can enhance your strength, power, and endurance during exercise.
Studies have shown that taking creatine supplements can also help prevent muscle loss, especially during periods of inactivity or low-calorie diets. This is because creatine can help increase the synthesis of muscle proteins, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
However, it’s important to note that creatine supplements may not be suitable for everyone. If you have a history of kidney or liver problems, or if you’re taking medication that affects your kidneys, you should consult with your doctor before taking creatine supplements.
In addition, it’s essential to stay hydrated when taking creatine supplements. This is because creatine can cause your muscles to hold more water, which can lead to dehydration if you’re not drinking enough fluids.
Overall, taking creatine supplements can be an effective way to prevent muscle loss while on semaglutide. However, as with any supplement, it’s important to talk to your doctor before adding it to your regimen. Additionally, make sure to stay hydrated and follow proper dosing guidelines to ensure you’re getting the most benefit from this supplement.
Let’s wrap this up!
If you’re taking semaglutide to help manage your blood sugar levels and weight loss, it’s important to take steps to prevent muscle loss as well.
Here is a quick recap of things that may help:
- Eat protein
- Get lots of rest
- Slow down on the intense workouts
- Take a BCAA supplement
- Throw in some creatine too
Thats it! With a few tweaks you should be up and running!
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