Pilates for core strength during GLP-1 weight loss — 12 month update

Dr.EndoEP said:

Bone density monitoring on lean mass: DEXA bone density at baseline and month 12.

Muscle fiber type changes during GLP-1-mediated weight loss, relevant to lean mass: preliminary biopsy data suggests that weight loss shifts the skeletal muscle fiber type distribution:

• Decreased Type IIx (glycolytic, fast-twitch) fibers
• Increased Type I (oxidative, slow-twitch) fibers
• Improved mitochondrial density and function
• Enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake per fiber

This "metabolic remodeling" of muscle may contribute to improved insulin sensitivity independent of total lean mass changes. The muscle you keep becomes metabolically better, even if there's less of it[1].

kate.chem said:

Right, and protein targets should be set on a reference weight rather than current weight.

This is exactly what I could not find anywhere else.

Dr.EndoEP said:

Bone density monitoring on lean mass: DEXA bone density at baseline and month 12.

Dr.EndoEP said:

...the muscle loss concern with lean mass...

This is a legitimate and well-studied concern. Let me put some numbers on it:

In STEP 1, approximately 39% of weight lost was lean mass. However, the Lundgren 2024 study showed that structured resistance training reduced this to ~25% lean mass loss.

Context matters: at BMI 35+, you're carrying excess lean mass to support the extra weight. Losing some lean mass is expected and not inherently harmful if you maintain adequate muscle function through exercise.

The solution isn't avoiding the medication — it's combining it with proper exercise and protein intake.

Dr.NutriCornell said:

I lifted three times a week throughout and still lost lean mass.

DEXA scan update relevant to lean mass:

Scanned at months 0, 6, and 12. Here are the body comp numbers:

Lean mass preserved — actually GAINED 1-2 lbs thanks to progressive overload + 1.4g/kg protein. The lean mass discussion needs to include body comp data, not just scale weight.

Moderator note: two posts asking for a source have been merged into one. Please search the thread before asking again. Carry on.