The Latest GLP-1 Science on Muscle Loss, Fat Loss, and Weight Regain | Ep 461

What REALLY happens when you take a GLP-1 drug?

Your fat loss, your muscle, your heart, your inflammation, what happens to your weight when you stop, and long-term safety.

This episode covers body composition data from the 2026 semaglutide and tirzepatide trials, cardiovascular outcomes from SELECT and SURPASS-CVOT, inflammation findings that go beyond weight loss, weight regain patterns after stopping, and a 5-part framework to keep muscle on or off the drug after 40. Plus the 2026 safety update and recent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's research for adults considering, taking, or tapering off a GLP-1.

Join Eat More Lift Heavy, the 26-week coached program where adults over 40 build the nutrition and training skills to preserve muscle, lose fat, and manage their physique for life.

Timestamps:

0:00 - The GLP-1 drug narratives
5:55 - Lean mass loss in STEP 1 and SURMOUNT-1
8:30 - Organ mass, muscle quality, and DXA
10:15 - STEP UP trial and higher-dose semaglutide
11:23 - Cardiovascular outcomes from SELECT and SURPASS-CVOT
13:00 - Inflammation markers and CRP reduction
14:00 - GLP-1s and neurodegeneration research
15:32 - Habits that outlast the drug
17:00 - What happens to your weight when you stop
19:30 - Exercise while taking GLP-1s and natural production
20:48 - 5-part framework for muscle preservation
26:55 - Safety signals and long-term effects
28:12 - 3 high-protein meals when you don't have an appetite

Philip Pape

Hi there! I'm Philip, founder of Wits & Weights. I started witsandweights.com and my podcast, Wits & Weights: Strength Training for Skeptics, to help busy professionals who want to get strong and lean with strength training and sustainable diet.

https://witsandweights.com
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5 Supplements for Stress, Mood, and Recovery After 40 (Evidence-Based) | Ep 462

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Why Lifting Weights 6 Days a Week Won't Help You Lose Fat (Ben Brown) | Ep 460