Why is Protein So Important for Those Using GLP-1 Drugs?

Everyone seems to want a magic pill or shot they can take to support weight management, and GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like-peptide-1) are now the craze and the new choice of the masses. 

But can GLP-1 agonists fight diabetes or obesity, or are the common side effects not worth the risk?

Many people who take GLP-1 drugs use them to treat diabetes, but as of late, they’re being used for weight loss.

As people become more aware of the common side effects of GLP-1 drugs, many worry about losing muscle mass while losing weight.

The biggest thing with these GLP-1 agonist drugs is that they can cut your appetite and make it hard to eat enough protein each day. As you can imagine, this is a negative.

Your body needs protein to keep your muscles strong during weight loss with GLP-1 drugs. Getting the right amount of protein will help you lose fat, not muscle.

In this article, we are going to dive deeper into GLP-1 drugs and why it’s crucial that you focus on your protein intake by consuming more protein at meals or supplementing with something like a protein powder.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition plan, or adding any new supplements into your current regimen.

What Are GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 drugs work much like your body’s natural hormones to control blood sugar and reduce hunger. These medications help you lose weight by slowing down how fast food moves through your stomach and telling your brain you’re full.

Overview of GLP-1 receptor agonists

These specific drugs copy your body’s natural GLP-1 hormone to control glucose in your blood and help you feel satiated throughout the day.

The FDA has approved several of these GLP-1 drugs to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss.

Granted, not everyone is a candidate for one of these medications. In fact, I know a bunch of people who went to their doctor asking for them to aid in weight loss and were denied because they didn’t meet certain criteria.

If you do qualify, your doctor might give you shots of Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 drugs to manage diabetes or aid in weight loss.

Commonly prescribed GLP-1 drugs

Several FDA-approved options exist on the market today with proven results for weight management and blood sugar control.

Below are some of the most commonly used GLP-1 drugs:

·      Ozempic delivers a once-weekly injection that claims to lead to around 10 pounds of weight loss in 30 weeks through its active ingredient semaglutide

·      Wegovy uses the same medicine as Ozempic but in higher doses, helping users drop 15% of their body weight during clinical trials

·      Rybelsus stands out as the only pill form of GLP-1 drugs, making it easier for people who don’t like needles

·      Trulicity works well for both adults and kids over age 10, showing around 10 pounds of weight loss with the 4.5 mg weekly dose

·      Victoza requires daily shots and helps users lose about 5 pounds while fixing blood sugar levels

·      Saxenda helps adults lose around 8% of their weight, and teens lose 2.5% through daily injections

·      Mounjaro combines GLP-1 action with other hormones to boost weight loss results even more

·      Zepbound targets both blood sugar and appetite control through its special formula

But again, each drug needs a doctor’s prescription and careful tracking of results. Your doctor can help you pick the best option based on your goals and health needs.

That being said, it’s important that you weigh the risk before starting GLP-1 drugs. For instance, they may help you lose weight, but you’ll also lose some lean muscle tissue that helps keep your metabolism boosted all day long. Losing muscle can slow down your metabolism. More on this in just a little.

The Role of Protein in the Body

Protein acts as your body’s building blocks for muscles, bones, and vital organs. Your body needs protein to keep your muscles strong while you lose weight with GLP-1 drugs.

The importance of protein for muscle maintenance

Your muscles need protein to stay strong during weight loss with GLP-1 drugs. The amino acids in protein act as building blocks that fix and grow your muscle tissue.

Your body breaks down muscle faster while losing weight, so you must eat enough protein each day to stop this loss.

If you’re into bodybuilding, you know all too well that when dieting down for a show, you’ll do everything you can to preserve your lean muscle mass and maintain your size. That’s precisely what needs to be done when using GLP-1 drugs as well.

Muscle mass burns more calories than fat tissue, making it vital for your metabolism. Getting 25-30 grams of protein at each meal helps keep your muscles healthy.

You should strive to get around 1 gram of protein daily for every pound of body weight.

On top of your strength, strong muscles also make daily tasks easier and support good posture.

Additionally, it’s important to understand that your body uses protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other chemicals needed for basic functions.

Protein’s role in metabolism and energy

Protein plays a key role in boosting metabolism. It takes more energy for your body to break down protein than carbs or fats. This process burns extra calories and helps with weight management.

Your body must work harder to digest protein, which leads to a higher calorie burn throughout the day — even while you sleep.

Eating enough protein keeps blood sugar levels stable. This matters a lot for people taking GLP-1 drugs.

Protein needs 20-30% more energy to digest than other foods. The body burns roughly 1 gram of protein for every 2.2 pounds of body weight each day.

A good protein intake helps control hunger and keeps energy levels steady. This makes it easier to stick to weight loss goals while on GLP-1 medications.

Why is Protein Crucial for GLP-1 Users?

Protein plays a key role in your success with GLP-1 drugs. Your body needs extra protein to preserve your muscles while you attempt to lose weight.

1.   Prevention of muscle loss during weight loss and weight management

Muscle loss poses a massive risk during GLP-1 drug treatments. Studies show muscle makes up 40% to 60% of total weight loss on these medications. Because of this, your body needs extra protein to keep your lean mass while losing weight.

The key lies in BCL6 levels, which drop during fasting and affect IGF1 production in muscle cells. Low BCL6 leads to less muscle mass and lower strength in clinical tests.

Adequate protein intake helps maintain BCL6 levels and supports IGF1 production.

2.   Supporting satiety and appetite regulation

When dieting and trying to lose weight, one of the hardest things for many to do is control their appetite and hunger. When in a caloric deficit, many find themselves suffering from hunger pangs.

To support satiety and appetite regulation, you need protein.

The combo of protein-rich foods or high-protein meals and GLP-1 drugs boosts your body’s natural appetite control.

This can also lead to better blood sugar control and fewer hunger pangs throughout your day.

A high-protein diet makes GLP-1 drugs work better at controlling hunger. Your body releases more GLP-1 hormones after eating protein, which turns down appetite signals in your brain.

3.   Enhancing the effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs

A high-protein diet makes GLP-1 drugs work better for your body.

The key to minimizing damage to your metabolism while on these medications is protein. Protein helps preserve your lean muscle mass and help you stay full — allowing GLP-1 drugs to do their work while your body continues to support your weight management goals. Additionally, you get better blood sugar control, which helps provide steady energy and minimize hunger pangs between meals.

Overall, your body burns fat more easily with this combo.

It is recommended that you consume 0.8 to 1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily for the best results possible.

Personally, I recommend to my clients who are using GLP-1 drugs that they should really focus on hitting around 1 gram per pound of body weight as it simplifies things and makes the math easier (a 200-pound individual would need 200 grams of protein daily).

How to Incorporate Protein into Your Diet

Getting in adequate protein while on GLP-1 drugs is essential to ensure you can minimize side effects and get the best results possible.

For some, figuring out how to get in their recommended daily intake of protein can be somewhat challenging. It’s important that you understand some simple ways to mix lean proteins with supplements like a protein powder.

Best protein sources for GLP-1 users

Let’s take a look at some of the best protein sources you can leverage while on GLP-1 drugs.

·      Whey protein isolate, like what is found in MuscleSport Lean Whey, offers the highest protein quality score and quick absorption. Mix it into smoothies or protein shakes for 25-30 grams of complete protein per serving.

·      Lean chicken breast delivers 31 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces. This protein source helps control blood sugar levels while supporting muscle preservation.

·      Egg whites pack 3.6 grams of protein per egg white with zero fat. Add them to breakfast meals for steady energy throughout the day.

·      Greek yogurt contains 17 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving. The protein and probiotics aid digestion and gut health.

·      Fish like salmon and tuna provide 22-25 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces. The omega-3 fats support heart health during weight loss.

·      Lean beef supplies 22 grams of protein per 3 ounces. Pick grass-fed options for better nutrient content.

·      Plant proteins like MuscleSport Plant’d contain 20 grams of protein, or something like lentils offer 9 grams of protein per half cup. These help meet the protein needs of vegetarian GLP-1 users.

·      Protein powder with digestive enzymes supports optimal absorption. Look for formulas with 20-30 grams of protein per serving.

·      Low-fat cottage cheese contains 14 grams of protein per half cup. The slow-digesting protein helps control hunger.

·      Turkey breast packs 29 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces. This lean meat option fits well into portion-controlled meals.

Balancing protein intake with other nutrients

Your daily meals need a mix of lean proteins, fresh veggies, and whole grains. Each meal should include 20-30 grams of quality protein to help preserve your lean muscle mass during GLP-1 treatment.

Smart food pairing helps your body absorb nutrients better. For instance, fruits and vegetables give you fiber that works with protein to keep you full longer.

Eating small, balanced portions throughout the day supports your weight loss goals on GLP-1 drugs. Your plate should be 1/3 lean protein, 1/2 vegetables, and the remaining being whole grains at each meal.

This balance helps control blood sugar levels and keeps your energy steady rather than on a rollercoaster all day.

Combat Drugs Like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Others with MuscleSport Lean Whey

You need to prioritize protein when using GLP-1 drugs. Failure to do so can cause you to lose your muscle, causing your metabolism to take a nosedive (the opposite of what you want to do if weight management is your goal).

MuscleSport Lean Whey is the perfect solution to provide you with the quality protein you need to achieve your daily recommended intake. And you can’t forget about the Fat metabolizing Matrix in the formula that can help support your body’s ability to burn fat.

Best of all, Lean Whey comes in amazing flavors you typically don’t see in today’s world of boring vanilla and chocolate flavors. Adding these to your nutrition plan is like consuming a dessert — only healthy!

In the Lean Whey lineup, you’ll find flavors like Café Almond Mocha Bliss, Mom’s Peanut Butter & Jelly, Chocolate Dipped Strawberry, Monster Cookie, Georgia Peach Cobbler A La Mode, and many more limited-edition flavors.

It should be noted, however, that we do have your traditional flavors like Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate, and Vanilla.

Leverage the power of MuscleSport Lean Whey by adding a shake post-workout, between meals, or any time you need to increase your protein intake.

Don’t allow GLP-1 drugs to waste away your lean muscle mass. MuscleSport is here to support your weight management goals.

Protein and GLP-1 Drugs Resources

1.    https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-does-ozempic-work-understanding-glp-1s-for-diabetes-weight-loss-and-beyond

2.    https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/glp-1-receptor-agonists-glp-1-ras

3.    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists

4.    https://www.evercarewellness.com/post/why-protein-is-intake-is-important-with-glp-1-medication

5.    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bcl6-key-protein-may-help-ozempic-glp-1-users-retain-muscle-mass-losing-fat

6.    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3594872/

7.    https://health.osu.edu/wellness/exercise-and-nutrition/glp1-foods-to-limit

 

Author:

Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN, is the owner of Weik Fitness. He is a globally recognized and prolific writer. With a passion for creating health and fitness content, Matt’s work has been featured on thousands of websites, over 100 magazines, and he has authored over a dozen published books.