---
title: "Lean Mass Preservation During GLP-1 Therapy: Protein & Resistance Counter-Protocol (STEP-Muscle & Resistance Audit) | Nutrition Research Labs"
source_url: "https://nutritionresearchlabs.com/studies/glp1-lean-muscle-loss-resistance-training-creatine-preservation-study"
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description: "Clinical audit of STEP-Muscle & Resistance (PMID: 38691314, 184 patients on semaglutide 2.4mg or tirzepatide 15mg): Standard GLP-1 control lost 28% of total wei"
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> **Canonical Source:** [https://nutritionresearchlabs.com/studies/glp1-lean-muscle-loss-resistance-training-creatine-preservation-study](https://nutritionresearchlabs.com/studies/glp1-lean-muscle-loss-resistance-training-creatine-preservation-study)
>
> *Clinical audit of STEP-Muscle & Resistance (PMID: 38691314, 184 patients on semaglutide 2.4mg or tirzepatide 15mg): Standard GLP-1 control lost 28% of total wei*

## Media Hype vs. Absolute Clinical Reality (Information Gain Audit)

- **Viral Headline Claim:**
- **True Placebo-Adjusted Absolute Outcome:** Standard GLP-1 control lost 28% of total weight as fat-free mass. The counter-protocol group (progressive resistance exercise + 1.8g/kg protein + 5g creatine) reduced lean mass loss to under 8% of total weight lost.
- **Relative vs. Absolute Statistical Breakdown:** GLP-1 agonists dramatically suppress caloric intake, which naturally induces a proportional catabolic loss of both adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Lean tissue wasting is not an inherent toxic drug effect; it is the predictable consequence of acute unbuffered hypocaloric deficit.
- **Funding & Sponsor Audit:** Metabolic Health Research Institute & NIH Grant Support (Independent Academic / NIH)
- **Human Equivalent Dosing Protocol:** 1.6g–2.0g/kg protein daily divided across 3+ feedings plus 5g daily creatine monohydrate and 2-3 sessions/week of progressive resistance training.

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