Weight-Loss Injections May Accelerate Aging, Increase Frailty Risk, Experts Warn

Daily Health

08/12/2025

New concerns are emerging regarding popular weight-loss injections, with experts warning that these medications could accelerate the body's aging process by up to a decade. The injections, used by millions in the UK, can lead to a significant reduction in lean body mass, including muscle, potentially increasing the risk of frailty and falls, particularly for middle-aged and older adults.

Key Takeaways

Weight-loss jabs may cause lean body mass loss equivalent to about ten years of aging.
This muscle loss can increase the risk of frailty and falls, especially in older individuals.
Experts recommend combining these medications with strength training and regular physical activity.

Understanding the Risks

Weight-loss injections, such as those mimicking the hormone GLP-1, have gained widespread popularity for their effectiveness in aiding weight reduction. While they offer benefits like halving the risk of death in heart patients, a recent review highlights a significant downside: the potential for substantial loss of lean body mass. This loss can be comparable to that experienced after bariatric surgery or cancer treatment.

Muscle Mass and Aging

Studies indicate that a considerable portion of the weight lost through these injections may not be fat. In one study, even individuals adhering to exercise guidelines and a calorie deficit lost approximately 11% of their lean mass. Dr. Gillian Hatfield, who led the review, noted that this magnitude of lean body mass loss is concerning and mirrors the effects of significant aging.

Recommendations for Mitigation

The report, commissioned by fitness company Les Mills, emphasizes that muscle loss is particularly detrimental for older adults, as muscle mass naturally declines with age. To counteract these effects, the review strongly recommends that individuals taking weight-loss jabs incorporate strength training exercises two to three times per week. Additionally, maintaining 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity weekly is advised. This approach can help sustain fat loss during treatment and reduce the likelihood of weight regain after treatment cessation.

A Call for Support

This review, one of the first to specifically examine the impact of weight-loss medications on lean body mass, also calls for a collaborative effort between the government, the health sector, and the fitness industry. The aim is to develop better support systems for individuals utilizing these injections to ensure their overall health and well-being are prioritized alongside weight management.

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