UAE Doctors Warn Weight-Loss Injections Can Cause Muscle Loss
Specialists emphasize that rapid weight reduction requires monitoring to preserve essential lean tissue mass.
1Hidden Risks of Injections
Popular injectable weight-loss medications like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy are gaining traction in the UAE for their efficacy. However, doctors warn that patients often focus solely on the scale. Rapid weight loss can lead to the dangerous depletion of lean tissue and muscle, which are vital for long-term strength and mobility.
2Clinical Assessment Protocols
Specialists at facilities like Burjeel Hospital evaluate a patient's full obesity profile before treatment. This includes metabolic health, blood investigations, and nutritional status. Doctors utilize tools like bioelectrical impedance analysis, such as InBody, to distinguish between fat mass and lean body mass, ensuring that weight loss remains healthy and sustainable.
3Monitoring Lean Mass Loss
Dr. Amna Kiran notes that while Mounjaro accounted for 65.6 percent of GLP-1 prescriptions in a 2024 cohort, monitoring is critical. The Surmount-1 substudy indicated that 75 percent of weight lost was fat, while 25 percent was lean mass. Clinicians use handgrip strength and Dexa scans to assess actual muscle function.
4Nutritional and Fluid Deficits
Appetite suppression often leads patients to skip meals or neglect protein intake, which accelerates muscle loss. Nausea and gastrointestinal side effects can also cause dehydration. Doctors emphasize that patients must maintain adequate protein consumption through eggs, fish, and legumes, while ensuring consistent fluid intake to support overall metabolic health during treatment.
5Importance of Physical Activity
Structured weight-management plans must incorporate physical activity to protect muscle mass. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Doctors adapt these targets based on individual medical conditions, ensuring that physical activity complements the medication rather than being replaced by it during the weight loss journey.
6Individualized Treatment Goals
Dr. Kishan Delampady stresses that these medications are not suitable for everyone. Treatment choices depend on medical history, existing conditions, and specific health goals. Patients are cautioned against using prescription drugs based on social trends, as these medications are intended to complement balanced nutrition and behavioral changes, not act as shortcuts.
7Age-Related Health Implications
Muscle mass naturally declines with age, making rapid weight loss particularly risky for older adults. Losing muscle strength can compromise physical independence and functional capacity. Even younger patients are advised to prioritize muscle preservation over appearance, as maintaining strength is essential for long-term health and preventing future mobility issues or injuries.
8Comprehensive Medical Oversight
The consensus among UAE medical professionals is that weight loss must be managed through regular follow-ups and clinical assessments. By distinguishing between fat and lean tissue, doctors help patients avoid the pitfalls of rapid, unhealthy weight reduction. Success is defined by improved metabolic health rather than just a lower number.
Original article: Khaleej Times — UAE Doctors Warn Weight-Loss Injections Can Cause Muscle Loss