I guess the trick is being able to do both simultaneously. When I was in a similar situation as you describe, I found an effective weight loss method that worked for me (calorie deficit, ketosis and 36-hour fast weekly) but really didn’t start to add muscle until I went into calorie surplus (with lots of added protein and targeted carb.)
1 Like
Do you recall the podcast in which he updated that? I think what he said about counteracting the effects of muscle loss may be true for a 40 year-old male or female, but most 60-70 year old people have experienced a reduction in hormones like testosterone and things like taurine and glutathione that contribute to diminished strength and result in sarcopenia, which is very difficult to reverse. This is especially true for people who are on a calorie deficit diet while trying to lose weight, either through calorie restriction or using GLP-1 drugs. For most people, being able to lose adipose tissue and build muscle at the same time is really not easily accomplished.
2 Likes
Davin8r
#24
It was the most recent AMA episode #320 at 31:00
He presented data that weight loss with GLP meds has roughly the same % lean mass loss as with any other kind of weight loss (about 30%) and stated that the same rules apply – do resistance training and get enough protein to counteract the loss in lean mass.
The point is that GLP meds don’t appear to cause any additional loss of lean mass over and above what would be expected from the weight loss itself.
4 Likes
blsm
#25
My VAT is good at 0.13 pounds but I need to gain about 5 pounds of lean mass. I’m glad I did the test because now I know and I’m not just guessing. It’s motivating!
6 Likes
Fantastic results! Thanks for posting. Yes - its so helpful to know exactly where you stand and what you need to do to improve your numbers.
4 Likes
My understanding is that GLP-1 inhibitors do not actively destroy muscle; there’s nothing inherent to the medication that causes muscle loss.
The muscle loss, which is common and significant, appears to be a side effect of eating fewer calories than your body needs. It goes to the fat-well, but it also devours muscle, which our bodies regularly do for quick energy when underfed.
Therefore, eating high protein foods and engaging in strength training activities while on GLP-1’s should largely mitigate the loss of muscle mass.
That’s my understanding anyhow. I’m happy to be corrected if others know more or better.
5 Likes
Alpha
#28
So how does it compare to your scale?
Also, what scale do you have?
1 Like
blsm
#29
It’s not far off honestly. Here’s my scale estimates from today done within 3 hours of the dexa. I have a Renpho so pretty basic. The biggest difference is the bone mass estimate which was a full pound lower on the dexa.
4 Likes
LaraPo
#30
I had Dexa done, but it measured only my bone mass and compared it with the previous result 2 years ago (no change), but it didn’t measure my fat. Is it a different Dexa test for fat?
1 Like
LaraPo
#31
According to the calculator, my RFM is 30.3 (69 yo). Is it good or bad?
Bicep
#32
Same machine but different software. My doc got the software to do the bone, he said it almost paid for itself, but not really. I think the new software and upgrade was like 10 grand. He said he’d never come out on that.
2 Likes
JeffW
#33
My visceral and % body fat pre and post Rapa.
9 Likes
Hi, since I visit Austin can I get this but I am due for one for my bones too. DeFrazier (I think that’s the ER doc) explained this to me once but I can’t find it in my searches - I think he said they’re 2 different things and you can’t just say add the bone density or add the visceral fat to one machine, am I remembering him correctly? Too bad you’ve got that extra fat but good to know about it.
1 Like
Oh I just saw after posting re the 2 different machines that there’s one machine but different software. Oh well for 50 bucks it’s worth it but wish one machine could give all the info.
The whole body DEXA for body composition does a great job of classification of lean mass, fat, visceral fat and in a general sense total amount of bone. The software does a pretty good job of looking at bone density, BUT if you have an abnormal on this, I’d suggest getting a dedicated bone DEXA, but if you are looking good on this, I doubt much benefit with doing a dedicated study.
1 Like
Davin8r
#37
Isn’t the problem with body comp DEXA that it just gives you a value for the entire skeleton, but not the main areas where people have issues (hips/spine/etc)? So that you get a value that is averaged out but can conceal osteopenia/osteoporosis in the problem areas? My body comp DEXAs (and my bioelectrical impedence scales) always say my bone density is great, but I have osteopenia (and formerly osteoporosis) in my lumbar spine as shown on the osteo DEXAs over the years.
1 Like
They actually report hip, lumbar spine approximate Z scores on the whole body composition, but it is less precise. But if things look good on the whole body, I’d personally not be spending my $$ on a dedicated bone DEXA.
There is also the practical issue that if you are already doing everything possible for bone density, what will a different result change - but if you need something to motivate - then sure,
3 Likes
Davin8r
#39
Bodyspec.com (the DEXAs I’ve been getting) unfortunately don’t give me detailed breakdowns or T-scores/Z-scores. I’m really not impressed with their reports, but at least I get the basics of body fat %, lean mass and visceral fat. They compare everything to “self reported data” of men in a given age range, so I assume that means other Bodyspec users but not the general population(?)
2 Likes
Yoo
#40
Impressive results!
Did you change anything else from one test to the other? Specifically your protein intake and resistance training regimen
2 Likes
Thanks DrFraser, I’ll remember this time. Given my last DEXA was -1.9 in 2 places and -2.5 in spine, I should get the specific bone DEXA as it’s been over 3.5 years, after I broke my femur. Before that it had been 7 years and the numbers held, and I’m convinced it’s the HRT as I get little exercise. I’m with you re why get it unless you’re going to do something about it anyway thus the long waits in between, but I do want an occasional knowledge of what’s going on.
1 Like
