Exercise Boosts Ozempic Benefits, Preserves Muscle in Obesity Study

A new preclinical study presented at the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Congress reveals that combining the weight-loss drug semaglutide-the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy-with exercise preserves muscle function while delivering greater fat loss and cardiometabolic benefits than either intervention alone.

Muscle Preservation Key

Semaglutide alone reduced fat mass by 31% but led to an 11% loss in lean mass. The combination therapy slashed fat mass by 45% while limiting muscle loss to just 8%. Only the combined approach significantly improved grip strength and muscle fiber diameter.

Beyond Weight Loss

The combo also improved insulin sensitivity, reduced liver fat, lowered inflammation in adipose tissue and the liver, and decreased atherosclerotic lesion area. Researchers say integrating pharmacological and lifestyle interventions may offer broader protection against obesity-related complications.

The findings highlight potential organ crosstalk, with activation of pathways involved in mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism. Human studies are needed to confirm these results.