(CNN) — More than 15 million Americans are now losing weight with GLP-1 drugs . The medications — drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro that were originally created to treat type 2 diabetes — have been shown to produce superior weight loss effects with little risk, according to a 2023 study .

If you’re taking one or considering it, though, it’s important to remember that using the drugs to suppress appetite doesn’t just contribute to fat loss. Taking them also can result in reduced muscle mass. How much is uncertain, but studies have indicated that anywhere between 15% to 60% of the weight people lose is lean muscle mass — meaning that if you shed 50 pounds, you will potentially be losing 7.5 to 30 pounds of your lean muscle.

“Many patients underestimate their weakness when on t

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