Weight loss methods—whether powered by GLP-1 drugs or strict calorie restriction diets— are achieving striking success. But hidden beneath the shrinking numbers on the scale is a risk: much of that loss may be muscle, not fat.
The Struggle with Muscle Loss During Weight Loss
Effective weight loss isn’t just about shedding pounds, it’s about maintaining strength, endurance, and a healthy metabolism throughout the journey. However, weight loss frequently results in the loss of muscle, which can weaken the body, reduce mobility, and slow metabolism—factors that can make long-term weight maintenance more difficult. That’s why maintaining lean muscle should be a key focus for anyone pursuing weight loss.
Research shows that about 25–30% of weight lost comes from fat-free mass (FFM), which includes muscle. Losing this muscle can reduce strength, lower physical performance, and affect metabolism.
GLP-1–based medications have become popular for weight loss. While they can lead to significant weight reduction, studies suggest that 25–39% of the weight lost may be muscle tissue. This rate of muscle loss is faster than normal age-related decline and could cause long-term problems if not addressed.
The Power of Nutrition: A Key to Healthy Weight Loss
Nutrition is essential for promoting effective weight loss and for preserving muscle mass, which provides numerous health advantages. Beyond contributing to physical strength and mobility, muscle plays a critical role in metabolic regulation, glucose utilization, inflammation management, and immune system function. When muscle tissue is lost, these vital processes can be disrupted, potentially hindering long-term success in maintaining a healthy weight.
Nutrition focused on preserving muscle can:
• Enhance the effectiveness and long-term benefits of weight management programs
• Help sustain strength and mobility for daily activities
• Promote healthy metabolism and stable blood sugar levels
• Lower the likelihood of metabolic and inflammatory health issues
New Clinical Research: Krill Oil Helps Preserve Muscle During Weight Loss
Krill oil stands out as a powerhouse for muscle support during weight loss. Its naturally balanced mix of choline and omega 3s—EPA and DHA—delivered in a phospholipid form the body absorbs easily, helps preserve lean muscle, fuel protein synthesis, optimize energy production, and keep inflammation in check. The result: a supplement that supports both muscle strength and a healthy metabolism while shedding fat.
In fact, new clinical research highlights krill oil’s role in preserving muscle during weight loss. During the study, those who took krill oil while following a weight-loss diet lost the same amount of weight as the placebo group (approximately 10 lbs.), but with a major difference. Nearly all the weight lost (96%) came from fat, not muscle.
In contrast, the placebo group lost more muscle mass (27% of total weight lost). Participants taking krill oil also showed better muscle strength, mobility, and lower inflammation, supporting overall metabolic health.
Beyond Muscle: Broader Benefits for Your Metabolism
In addition to its role in supporting muscle preservation, krill oil delivers a range of metabolic benefits particularly valuable for those focused on weight management. It helps maintain healthy blood lipid levels, supports liver function, and has been shown to reduce inflammation, which may contribute to preserving fat-free mass (FFM) and muscle performance during weight loss. When used alongside weight loss strategies, whether through diet, exercise, or GLP-1 therapies, krill oil offers a natural, clinically supported way to support muscle health, helping individuals achieve smarter, more sustainable results.
