Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and muscle strength changes in older adults: Risks beyond muscle mass reductions

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)/Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are increasingly prescribed for the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes, yet research pertinent to their effects on muscle health is limited. Considering the central role of muscle strength as a sarcopenia component, this article summarizes emerging evidence on insulin-based therapies and muscle strength. Short-to-mid-term trials of semaglutide or liraglutide in adults with obesity have shown statistically preserved handgrip strength despite reductions in lean soft tissue mass, suggesting that muscle strength may not decline proportionally to weight loss. Likewise, tirzepatide combined with resistance and aerobic…