Welcome to the first MYOS MD Power Panel

In this insightful webinar interview, Dr. Swathi, Medical Advisor for MYOS MD, and Dr. Chris Meletis, a naturopathic physician, discuss one of the most critical challenges healthcare providers face today: maintaining muscle health while patients are losing weight, especially for those using GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists).

This discussion delves into the rising use of GLP-1 medications and how nutrition, exercise, and innovative supplements like Fortetropin can support muscle health. Whether you're a physician working with patients on GLP-1s or interested in optimizing patient outcomes, these insights will help you manage patient's muscle health during weight loss.

 

The Importance of Muscle Health in Weight Loss

Dr. Meletis begins by highlighting the critical role muscle plays in overall health, particularly in aging populations. As he puts it, muscle, mitochondria, and the microbiome are the "three Ms" of health.

A reduction in muscle mass can:

• increase mortality risk,
• impair physical stability, and
• accelerate metabolic syndrome development.

One key insight: muscle mass is active metabolic tissue. Losing this tissue compromises metabolism and overall well-being, especially for patients on weight-loss regimens.

"When we lose fat during weight loss, we also release stored toxins like xenoestrogens and forever plastics. These toxins, along with reduced muscle mass, impact metabolism, which is why it's so important to support detoxification and muscle health simultaneously."

Takeaway:

Muscle health isn't just about strength—it is essential for metabolic activity, stability, and long-term health outcomes.

GLP-1 Medications and Their Impact on Muscle Mass

GLP-1 medications are widely prescribed for weight loss, but rapid weight loss can come with a hidden cost: muscle loss. Dr. Swathi and Dr. Meletis discuss how GLP-1s, like bariatric surgery, can lead to the loss of up to 38% of muscle mass, according to DEXA scan studies.

“Muscle is not just for strength—it’s active metabolic tissue. Losing muscle mass means losing a key driver of metabolism and overall health.”

This phenomenon, known as “skinny fat,” can leave patients vulnerable to metabolic complications, falls, and reduced mobility.

"Rapid weight loss from GLP-1s can lead to up to 38% muscle loss, according to DEXA scan studies, which is why preserving muscle mass during treatment is crucial for maintaining long-term metabolic health."

Key Consideration for Physicians:

“Once patients are done taking their GLP-1s or think they’ve achieved their weight loss goals, we often see the rebound weight gain, unfortunately."  When prescribing GLP-1s for weight loss, it's crucial to educate patients on the risks of muscle loss and implement strategies to mitigate it.

Fortetropin: A Breakthrough in Muscle Health

One of the most exciting developments discussed in the panel is Fortetropin, a fertilized egg yolk-derived supplement that has been shown in clinical studies to help preserve muscle mass by inhibiting myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth.

Dr. Meletis highlights research from a UC Berkeley study, which shows that older adults who took Fortetropin experienced an 18% increase in muscle protein synthesis, even without exercise.

“Fortetropin inhibits myostatin, which helps with muscle mass. The research shows an 18% increase in muscle protein synthesis, even without exercise.”

This makes Fortetropin a powerful tool for supporting patients who are losing weight—particularly those on GLP-1s or recovering from surgeries.

Why Fortetropin Matters:

• Inhibits myostatin to preserve muscle mass.
• Increases muscle protein synthesis, supporting recovery and muscle health.
• Can be used effectively during and after GLP-1 treatment.

Practical Approaches to Preserving Muscle Health

For healthcare providers, preserving muscle health in patients undergoing rapid weight loss involves a holistic approach that includes:

1. Resistance Training – Encouraging patients to maintain or increase muscle through strength exercises.
2. Nutritional Support – Adequate protein intake is essential for combating anabolic resistance, especially in older adults. Free amino acids and resistance training can significantly mitigate muscle loss.
3. Supplements – Incorporating Fortetropin alongside a multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acids, protein powder, and other muscle health supplements, can help improve outcomes. Fortetropin has been shown to improve muscle mass retention and is a useful adjunct to dietary and exercise interventions. 

Physician Tip:

Emphasize the importance of combining GLP-1 treatment with proper nutrition, exercise, and muscle support to ensure sustained results and long-term health.

 

Final Takeaways for Physicians

As healthcare providers, ensuring the preservation of muscle mass during weight loss is critical for patient outcomes.

Here are the three main takeaways from Dr. Swathi and Dr. Meletis:

1. Educate Patients on Muscle Loss Risks: Explain the hidden consequences of rapid weight loss, especially for those on GLP-1s, and provide them with actionable strategies to mitigate muscle loss.
2. Incorporate Fortetropin in Treatment Plans: Fortetropin’s clinically-backed ability to inhibit myostatin and promote muscle protein synthesis makes it a valuable addition to weight-loss protocols, especially in patients experiencing notable muscle loss.
3. Focus on Comprehensive Care: Encourage resistance training, balanced nutrition, and the use of supplements like Fortetropin to preserve metabolic-active muscle mass and promote long-term health.

Addressing Questions from the MYOS MD Power Panel

Question 1: If someone is on a GLP-1, how can they maintain their muscle mass after concluding the GLP-1 regimen? Will MYOS MD help after its use?

Dr. Chris Meletis:
Absolutely. Fortetropin, found in MYOS MD products, is a powerful tool to help maintain muscle mass both during and after a GLP-1 regimen. Research has shown that Fortetropin can lower myostatin levels, which naturally increase with age and weight loss, helping to preserve muscle mass. Even without exercise, it supports protein synthesis, making it an excellent option for patients concluding GLP-1 treatment. Coupled with resistance training and proper nutrition, Fortetropin can help maintain lean body mass and prevent the loss of metabolically active tissue.

Question 2: Can Fortetropin benefit someone who has had bone and joint health problems?

Dr. Chris Meletis:
Yes, Fortetropin can be highly beneficial for patients with bone and joint health issues. By supporting muscle mass, Fortetropin helps maintain joint alignment and stability, reducing strain on the skeletal system. Strong muscles are essential for protecting joints and minimizing wear and tear, especially in patients with conditions like osteoarthritis. Incorporating Fortetropin into a regimen that includes resistance training and proper nutrition can help improve overall musculoskeletal health.

Explore More:

This panel emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to managing muscle health, particularly in patients undergoing rapid weight loss. By combining innovative supplements like Fortetropin with traditional methods of resistance training and proper nutrition, healthcare providers can help patients lose weight safely without sacrificing critical muscle mass.

For more information on Fortetropin, clinical studies, and ways to incorporate it into patient care, visit MYOSMD.com.