Khaberni - A recent research review reveals a concerning aspect of widely used weight loss injections, showing that these treatments might accelerate aging in the body by approximately 10 years.
According to the study conducted by Canadian researchers, these injections lead to a significant decrease in lean body mass, which poses a special threat to middle-aged and elderly individuals. The loss of muscle mass weakens mobility and increases the likelihood of falls and physical frailty, swinging the balance between potential benefits and risks of this therapy.
Ironically, these injections were previously promoted for their significant benefits, including their ability to reduce the death risk among heart disease patients by half, but the picture now appears more complex.
The data showed that between 20% to 50% of the weight lost by users comes at the expense of muscle tissue, not accumulated fat, even among those who adhere to a regular exercise routine.
In a striking detail, researchers noted that individuals who engage in moderate physical activity for 150 minutes weekly and follow a low-calorie diet are not entirely spared from this effect, as they may lose up to 11% of their muscle mass. This rate was compared by researchers to what occurs after major obesity surgeries or cancer treatments, or what is equivalent to a full decade of natural aging.
In light of these findings, experts recommend that users of these injections adopt a dual strategy that combines pharmacological treatment and a preventive approach, including regular strength training two to three times weekly, along with maintaining moderate physical activity for no less than 150 minutes weekly. This combination is not only necessary to preserve muscle mass during treatment but has proven effective in continuing to burn fat and reducing the likelihood of regaining weight after stopping the injections.
The scientific review concludes with an urgent call to integrate efforts among government institutions, the healthcare sector, and fitness centers, to develop comprehensive support programs aimed at protecting public health and reducing unintended side effects, at a time when these drugs are rapidly spreading globally.
