Latest news with #muscleloss
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
MYOS PET and Leading Veterinarian Urge Action as Weather Extremes Impact Senior Pet Muscle Health
CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With climate changes becoming more severe, veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation expert Dr. Kelly Fishman, DVM, CVA, CCRT, warns that summer heat waves and winter freezes are silently accelerating muscle loss in senior pets. But, MYOS PET, a science-based muscle health brand, is helping veterinarians address the issue with nutrition-based solutions like Fortetropin®. 'Just like humans, dogs and cats naturally lose muscle mass as they age,' said Fishman, founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists and veterinary advisory board member at MYOS PET. 'But aging isn't the only cause—extended periods of inactivity, especially when pets are kept indoors due to extreme heat or cold, can also accelerate muscle loss.' To help prevent weather-related muscle loss and take proactive steps to support muscle health year-round, Fishman encourages pet parents to adjust exercise routines based on seasonal conditions. During hot summer months, dogs should be walked in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler. Choosing shaded, grassy areas can help reduce overheating and protect sensitive paw pads. On especially hot days, low-impact activities like swimming in a pool or creating an indoor obstacle course can keep pets moving without risking heat stress. In colder months, Fishman says preparing your dog's body for movement is important. Gentle spine stretching before going outside can help warm up muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Creating a winter-friendly exercise plan using resistance bands or core-strengthening exercises on stability balls helps improve balance and maintain muscle health in all seasons, Fishman recommends incorporating MYOS PET into treatment plans for aging and recovering pets. MYOS PET contains Fortetropin, a natural bioactive compound derived from fertilized raw egg yolk that has been shown to support muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle loss.'I recommend MYOS PET with Fortetropin for many of the dogs I rehab and I use it on my own senior cat to improve his energy and mobility,' said Fishman. 'Fortetropin is one of the few tools we have that's backed by credible research and helps preserve muscle through every season.' In studies, Fortetropin has demonstrated benefits for both dogs and cats, including increased lean muscle mass and improved recovery after orthopedic surgery, without adverse side effects. It is increasingly being used by veterinarians to support long-term mobility in senior, post-surgical, and sedentary pets. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science involving working dogs found that a rigorous endurance training program, including treadmill running and obstacle courses, conducted during the winter and spring months not only enhanced the dogs' athletic performance, but also improved their ability to tolerate heat in the summer. Researchers observed that the trained dogs developed a kind of internal 'thermostat,' enabling their bodies to activate cooling mechanisms, such as panting, more efficiently and at lower temperatures. This helped keep them cooler and reduced the risk of heat-related stress during warmer conditions. Fishman says the findings suggest that staying active does more than just build muscle and strength, it can also condition a dog's body to better regulate temperature, ultimately improving performance and safety during periods of extreme heat. For more information on maintaining your pet's muscle health year-round visit Photos accompanying this announcement are available at CONTACT: Media Contact: Amy Summers 212-757-3419 | amy@ Pitch Publicity®Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Medscape
15-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Protein Safeguards Muscle in Semaglutide Weight-Loss Therapy
TOPLINE: In adults with obesity who were prescribed semaglutide, older age and female sex were associated with greater muscle loss, whereas a higher protein intake appeared to be protective against this loss. Greater muscle loss was independently linked to diminished glycemic benefits of the drug. METHODOLOGY: When adults with obesity lose weight, they often lose muscle mass, with about 40% of the weight lost with semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, being lean tissue. However, predictors of muscle loss and its effects on glucose and bone homeostasis remain unclear. Researchers conducted a prospective observational study to identify risk and protective factors for the loss of muscle mass during semaglutide-induced weight loss and to assess its effect on glucose and bone homeostasis. They included 40 adults with obesity (mean age, 46 years; 73% women; mean BMI, 36.8) who received either semaglutide (n = 23) or a diet and lifestyle intervention (n = 17) for 3 months. The primary outcome was a change in lean mass, measured using DEXA. TAKEAWAY: The mean weight loss was significantly greater in the semaglutide group than in the diet and lifestyle intervention group (6.3% vs 2.5%; P = .002), but the proportion of weight loss attributed to lean mass did not differ between groups (P = .39). A change in lean mass showed a stronger correlation with weight change in the diet and lifestyle intervention group (correlation coefficient [R], 0.93; P < .0001) than in the semaglutide group (R, 0.55; P = .01). Older age (P = .046), female sex (P = .02), and lower protein intake at 3 months (P = .03) were linked to a greater decrease in lean mass at 3 months in the semaglutide group but not in the diet and lifestyle intervention group. A greater loss of lean mass was also linked to smaller improvements in glycemic control in the semaglutide group only. IN PRACTICE: 'Maintaining muscle mass with weight loss in individuals with obesity on semaglutide may be essential to mitigate insulin resistance and frailty,' the authors of the study wrote. SOURCE: The study was led by Melanie Haines, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. It was presented on July 12, 2025, at ENDO 2025: The Endocrine Society Annual Meeting in San Francisco. LIMITATIONS: This abstract did not discuss any limitations. DISCLOSURES: This abstract did not report any specific funding or conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Health Line
14-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Weight Loss: Eating More Protein May Prevent Muscle Loss From GLP-1 Drugs
Increasing protein intake while taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss could help prevent muscle loss, according to a new study. As a common side effect of weight loss, muscle loss could also lead to decreased bone density due to the effects on blood sugar management. Experts recommend asking your doctor about increasing protein intake and incorporating strength training into your weight loss plan. Higher protein intake may be the key to avoiding muscle loss, which often occurs in people who lose weight with GLP-1 medications. Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School of Boston offered this advice in a new study presented on July 12 at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco. The report described a small study of 40 people who lost weight with semaglutide compared to those who lost weight through a conventional diet and exercise program. After three months, the semaglutide group lost more weight than the conventional group. The percentage of weight loss that was lean muscle mass was similar between the two groups. Participants receiving semaglutide who lost more muscle mass than others were either older adults, females, or those who ate less protein while following a weight loss protocol. 'Older adults and women may be more likely to lose muscle on semaglutide, but eating more protein may help protect against this,' lead researcher Melanie Haines, MD, a neuroendocrinologist with Massachusetts General Hospital, said in a news release. Haines noted that muscle loss undermines blood sugar management, a critical mechanism in maintaining bone density and strength. While promising, these results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and may warrant further investigation. Muscle loss is common during weight loss Prior research has suggested that using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss can reduce muscle mass and bone density, and lower resting metabolic rate. This may lead to sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Kais Rona, MD, a bariatric surgeon at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, explained that muscle is more easily lost during weight loss than fat. Rona wasn't involved in the study. 'The amount of energy required from the body to maintain muscle is higher than the amount of energy required to maintain fat. This means that muscle tissue is more susceptible to breakdown,' Rona told Healthline. 'The disproportionately high percentage of muscle loss is a direct consequence of the higher metabolic requirements of muscle in comparison to fat,' he added. Appetite suppression may impact protein intake Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) were originally developed for people with diabetes, but have skyrocketed in popularity for their weight loss effects. Ozempic (semaglutide) is often prescribed off-label for weight loss, while Wegovy, which also contains semaglutide, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. Zepbound and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have also emerged as highly effective medications for weight loss. Mounjaro is prescribed off-label for weight loss, while Zepbound is approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. 'These medications are very effective appetite suppressants in addition to reducing food intake by slowing down gut function,' Rona explained. Therefore, when you eat less due to these medications, he noted, you may consume less protein as a result. 'Proteins are the building blocks of muscle tissue, and inadequate protein intake results in the breakdown of muscle, leading to a decrease in muscle mass,' Rona said. Supporting muscle mass while on GLP-1 drugs Rona said a strength and resistance training program is 'critical in maintaining muscle,' while taking GLP-1 drugs. He also recommended a robust intake of protein. 'I often recommend patients to have 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.' Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietitian specializing in heart health, agreed that strength training and higher protein intake can help preserve muscle mass. 'These two strategies work together to stimulate muscle-protein synthesis and reduce the risk of muscle loss during weight reduction,' Routhenstein told Healthline. 'Lean protein 'supports both weight management and muscle maintenance by promoting fullness, helping control appetite, and preserving muscle during weight loss, especially when combined with resistance training,' she explained. Rona noted that protein is a macronutrient that helps produce 'physiologic changes that help promote a healthy weight as well as maintain muscle.' He added that high protein diets have been shown to reduce hunger, promote satiety, and improve metabolism. Healthy sources of protein Routhenstein recommended choosing lean sources of animal protein such as: skinless poultry fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna) dairy (Greek yogurt) She said plant-based options include legumes (e.g., lentils or black beans) and soy products (e.g., tempeh or tofu). Routhenstein emphasized the value of a balanced diet for people trying to lose weight. 'The body also needs healthy fats and carbohydrates to fuel workouts, support hormone function, and promote overall health,' she said. 'Relying solely on protein at the expense of other macronutrients can lead to nutrient imbalances and may not support long-term muscle health or disease prevention.' Rona added that dietary supplements like daily multivitamins could be helpful for some people while taking GLP-1 drugs. 'This is something important to discuss with one's clinician,' he said. Anyone with chronic health conditions, such as kidney or heart disease, should consult with their healthcare team before making significant changes to their diet.
Medscape
14-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Improving Outcomes on GLP-1s: Lifestyle Factors Remain Crucial
This transcript has been edited for clarity. This is Dr JoAnn Manson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. I'd like to talk with you about a recent Clinical Insights article in JAMA Internal Medicine, which is a very brief, succinct, two-page article about improving outcomes of patients on GLP-1 medications by integrating diet and physical activity guidance. The bottom line: Lifestyle factors remain crucial for patients on GLP-1 medications to optimize outcomes. This paper also comes with a companion JAMA Patient Page that contains patient-friendly and accessible information to help patients utilize these takeaways. I'd like to acknowledge that I'm a co-author of the Clinical Insights article and Patient Page. Now, we know that the GLP-1 medications and dual receptor agonist medications are very effective in terms of weight loss, achieving about 20% weight loss or more. But we also know from randomized trials that loss of muscle mass and lean body mass is also quite common, sometimes accounting for 25% or more of the total weight loss. Also, gastrointestinal symptoms — such as nausea, constipation, and reflux — can limit the use of these medications, lead to drug discontinuation, and subsequently results in weight regain. So, the goal of the Clinical Insights article and Patient Page is to help improve patient outcomes, avoid muscle loss, and avoid the gastrointestinal symptoms that can lead to drug discontinuation. The article provides information on how to incorporate a healthy diet while on GLP-1s, which consists of a largely plant-based diet that ensures adequate protein intake and adequate hydration — sometimes requiring 2-3 liters of water, or more, per day. These publications also help identify situations in which patients may benefit from micronutrient supplementation and, importantly, provide guidance on physical activity. Aerobic exercise is recommended but, in particular, resistance activities and muscle-strengthening activities can help mitigate the muscle loss and the lean body mass loss that commonly occurs on these medications. The Clinical Insights article and accompanying Patient Page also provide information on ways to minimize the likelihood of having gastrointestinal symptoms that would limit GLP-1 use. Overall, we hope that this information will be a good resource that will result in better care for patients on GLP-1 medications and better outcomes.
Fox News
11-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
How to avoid getting 'office chair butt' from prolonged sitting at work
Office workers have something new to worry about, according to a warning that's gone viral on social media. "Office chair butt" is trending as a side effect of sitting for too many hours, leaving the appearance of a flatter behind. Alissa Mosca, a certified fitness trainer with Planet Fitness in New York, confirmed that "office chair butt" refers to muscle loss due to sitting stagnant in one position and not activating the muscles in the posterior chain (along the back of the body). To combat this, Mosca recommends performing the following simple exercises throughout the day to stimulate muscle activation in the glutes, hamstrings and quads. "These four exercises require no equipment and can even be done from the office chair," she added. "It's important to not only focus on strength training exercises that activate the glutes, which are being sat on all day, but the surrounding muscles as well, which is what adds support to the whole posterior chain," Mosca said. She encourages office workers to incorporate some type of movement every time they get up from their seat — ideally picking one of the four movements above and performing 12 to 15 reps, two to three times. "Once that becomes more of a routine, try setting a timer to do this every 45 minutes to an hour," the trainer suggested. Incorporating these exercises into a gym routine is also a great way to prevent muscle loss, according to Mosca. This might include a circuit with kettlebell swings, Smith machine squats (performed on a machine with a fixed barbell), hip thrusts and walking on an incline. Jonathan Puleio, a board-certified professional ergonomist and global vice president at Humanscale – a New York City consulting practice focused on corporate ergonomics – also spoke about "office chair butt." "Not only are the muscle groups atrophying and weakening, but there's also a buildup of fat tissue, which has a very different consistency and density than muscle," he told Fox News Digital. "That's why … the shape of the tissue appears much flatter — and even saggy, in some scenarios." Puleio agreed that muscle atrophy can be supported by movement and posture shifts, but noted that chair design also plays a big role. "Any chair design that can promote movement and support postural shifts regularly throughout the day can certainly combat issues like this," the expert said. Sitting in a chair that supports movement, such as one with a self-adjusting recline mechanism, can help prevent this condition, according to Puleio. "The recline tension is based on the user's body weight," he said. "This removes the barriers to movement that we typically see on traditionally designed chairs." Puleio also recommends using sit-to-stand workstations and performing some tasks while standing, such as taking a phone call on your feet. "Taking micro-breaks, stepping away from your work, going to get a glass of water, taking a lap around the office, going outside and taking a quick walk – these are all great ways to combat this particular issue," he said. For more Health articles, visit The expert also urges employers to take their employees' comfort seriously and to take steps to ensure healthy workplace ergonomics. "Discomfort is the precursor to pain and injury," he warned, noting that injuries can be "costly and debilitating."
