GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that regulates appetite and insulin secretion, and it has increased exponentially in popularity as a weight loss drug due to its effectiveness in reducing hunger and aiding in significant weight loss. This is an appealing option for many who are on a weight loss journey for the quick results they reap without having to change any of their other behaviors and patterns including workout regiments and monitoring food and nutrition intake.
However, users should be aware of potential negative side effects that come with using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, including the atrophy of lean muscle mass as the body sheds weight. To mitigate this, tracking body composition changes versus purely weight loss is crucial for the most accurate overview of health.
How Does Body Composition Testing Help?
Body composition encompasses the fat, muscle, bone, and water that make up the human body. It has emerged as a crucial indicator of overall health and wellness for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a more comprehensive assessment of health compared to a simple scale reading or the ability to run a mile. For instance, individuals who appear fit externally might still have high levels of visceral fat around their organs, which is a significant health risk.
Consistent testing over time is essential to obtain the most accurate measurement of body composition. Such tests offer a precise breakdown of lean muscle mass versus body fat percentage, delivering both internal and external insights into physical health. This information is particularly beneficial for those on GLP-1 drugs, as maintaining lean muscle mass during significant weight loss is vital for sustaining a healthy body, rather than merely achieving a seemingly more aesthetic physique.
Why Does Lean Muscle Mass Matter?
There has always been clear indication that lean muscle mass is not only vital as a marker for fitness levels and longevity, it is also important for many other reasons:
Lean Muscle Mass Correlations:
- Insulin Sensitivity: Many studies have found that lean muscle mass is associated with improved insulin resistance.
- Basal Metabolic Rate: This study found the strongest predictor of basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of lean muscle mass percentage in the body.
- Strength and Mobility: Lean muscle mass is also an indicator of how well you’re able to move your body, how your joints feel, and how your body ages.
- Bone Density: The Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found a direct correlation between bone density and appendicular skeletal muscle index (the sum of muscle mass on the body’s limbs).
Although lean muscle mass isn’t the end all, be all of health related goals or indicators, it is overall one of the best indicators for many facets of our well-being and physical health.
Visbody S30
One of the leading body composition assessment machines out there is the Visbody S30 body scanner. With a 32 second scan, the user will receive a down to the millimeter precision 3D scan of their body, 22 parameter measurements regarding body circumference and posture, as well as markers like body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, BMI, visceral fat, basal metabolic rate, and segmental fat.
This cutting-edge technology produces accurate, reliable measurements of the body, which allows the user a comprehensive look at what their health statistics are, allowing them to make progressive plans for long term health care. As we face a growing popularity with GLP-1 drugs, there are more and more questions that require answers. The most important question is how do we make GLP-1 drugs effective but not retract from health? Visbody is equipped with their answer:
“As the demand for GLP-1 medications continues to grow, the need for precise and comprehensive body composition analysis becomes increasingly important. We are committed to meeting this demand with superior technology and a holistic approach to health and fitness. The Visbody S30 is not just a device; it is a comprehensive health solution designed to support individuals in their journey towards optimal health.”
Last Word
JP Morgan projects that by 2030, nine percent of the U.S. population will be using GLP-1 drugs. As the industry grows and thrives, it falls upon coaches and trainers alike to diligently work with their clients and provide accurate and helpful tools to maintain lean muscle mass throughout the entirety of their clients weight loss journey.
As science continues to build more and more evidence for the case of lean muscle mass as one of, if not the, best indicators of longevity and overall health, we will need accurate, easy, and accessible ways to track lean muscle mass percentages in the body. Tools like the Visbody S30, which utilizes bioimpedance technology, equip industry professionals with the instruments to guide clients on GLP-1 drugs through sustainable weight loss, ensuring the maintenance or growth of lean muscle mass.
