Losing weight isn’t just about eating less, it’s about how your body processes energy, maintains muscle, and regulates insulin sensitivity. Many weight loss drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy (popular GLP-1 receptor agonists), work by suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying, rather than improving metabolic health. 

But here’s the catch: some experts are starting to raise red flags about what these drugs might be doing to your muscle mass—and your metabolism. And that matters. A lot.

While GLP-1 medications can be effective, most studies focus on short-term outcomes—not long-term hormonal or metabolic health. For those whose weight challenges are linked to insulin resistance or hormone imbalance, inositol may offer a more targeted approach. As always, consult your healthcare provider to determine what’s best for your body.

Why GLP-1s May Undermine Long-Term Results

GLP-1 medications were originally designed to help regulate blood sugar in diabetics, but they are now widely used for weight loss.

While they have shown significant benefits for many individuals, emerging data invites a closer look at their longer-term impact on body composition. While they reduce appetite and slow digestion, their effects on muscle mass and metabolism raises questions about long-term sustainability.

Significant Muscle Loss

New research suggests that up to 60% of weight lost on GLP-1 drugs comes from lean muscle mass, which slows metabolism and makes long-term weight maintenance harder.

Because muscle drives metabolic rate, its loss makes weight regain more likely.

Short-Term Insulin Benefits, Long-Term Concerns

Whilst GLP-1 drugs can improve blood sugar levels, a higher fat-to-muscle ratio has been linked to insulin resistance and worsening poor metabolic health.

There is also growing concern that after stopping GLP-1 therapy, individuals may regain weight with a higher proportion of fat relative to muscle. This change in body composition could worsen insulin sensitivity.

Post-Treatment Weight Regain

Many users regain weight rapidly after stopping GLP-1 drugs. A study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that participants regained approximately two-thirds of the weight they had lost within a year after stopping semaglutide treatment. Specifically, they lost an average of 17.3% of their body weight during treatment and regained about 11.6% after discontinuation.

Without improving muscle-to-fat ratio or insulin function, long-term weight maintenance becomes difficult and weight loss harder to sustain. 

How Inositol Works Differently

What if you could lose fat while preserving or even increasing lean muscle mass? A 2019 clinical study suggests that inositol supplementation, when combined with diet, can enhance fat loss while protecting muscle mass, a key factor in sustainable weight loss.

As a natural compound, inositol works with your body’s natural metabolic pathways to support fat loss, lean muscle preservation, and insulin signalling without depleting muscle.

It may offer a more balanced approach for those dealing with metabolic or hormone-related weight gain.

Supports Insulin Sensitivity & Glucose Metabolism

Inositol is a key secondary messenger in insulin signaling, improving glucose transport into cells. Studies show inositol supplementation can reduce fasting insulin levels and improve HOMA-IR scores, a marker of insulin sensitivity.

Enhances Fat Loss While Protecting Muscle

A 2019 study found that adding Myo- & D-Chiro-Inositol to a diet led to 35% greater fat loss compared to diet alone. Unlike GLP-1 drugs, inositol did not cause any muscle loss and, in fact it increased it!

Regulates Appetite & Reduces Cravings

Inositol influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, helping to naturally regulate hunger and cravings. Unlike GLP-1 drugs, it does this without nausea, fatigue, or digestive issues.

Studies show dopamine regulates food-related motivation, appetite and emotional drives for food, making inositol a potential tool for managing cravings more naturally.

Study Spotlight: How Inositol Affects Body Composition

A 2019 clinical study examined three groups of overweight women with PCOS:

• Group 1: Diet alone
• Group 2: Diet + 4g Myo-Inositol
• Group 3: Diet + Myo-Inositol (1.1g) + D-Chiro-Inositol (27.6mg) (40:1 ratio)

All participants followed the same calorie-restricted plan and took folic acid daily.

Fat Loss Results (After 6 Months)

• Group 1 (Diet Alone): 14% fat loss
• Group 2 (Diet + Myo-Inositol): 16.9% fat loss
• Group 3 (Diet + Myo + D-Chiro Inositol 40:1): 18.9% fat loss

→ That’s 35% more fat loss than diet alone! To put this in perspective: A 150lb person could lose ~7 lbs more fat with Myo- & D-Chiro-Inositol. A 180 lb person could lose ~10 lbs more fat with supplementation.

Lean Muscle Mass Results (After 6 Months)

• Group 1 (Diet Alone): Lost 6.2% muscle mass
• Group 2 (Diet + 4g Myo-Inositol): Gained 7.1% muscle mass
• Group 3 (Diet + Myo + D-Chiro Inositol 40:1): Gained 0.2% muscle mass
  

What does this mean in real terms?

• Dieting alone caused muscle loss, which can lower metabolism and increase fat regain risk.
• Myo-Inositol helped build lean muscle, improving metabolic health and fat-burning potential.
• The 40:1 Myo- to D-Chiro ratio optimized fat loss while preserving lean mass.

Why Muscle Matters for Long-Term Weight Loss

Weight loss isn’t just about the number on the scale, it’s about body composition. Losing fat while maintaining or gaining muscle leads to better metabolic health and long-term success. 

Muscle burns more calories than fat

Think of muscle as your body’s metabolic engine. Even when you’re doing nothing—sitting, sleeping, scrolling, muscle is burning calories. In fact, it burns nearly 3x more than fat at rest.

So when you lose muscle, your daily energy burn drops. That means your body needs fewer calories, making it easier to regain weight... and harder to lose it again.

Muscle improves insulin sensitivity

Skeletal muscle acts like a sponge for glucose. It soaks up sugar from your bloodstream and burns it for energy, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes.

The more muscle you have, the better your body handles carbs—which means fewer spikes, fewer crashes, and a lower risk of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

Better body composition & metabolic flexibility

You can weigh the same but look and feel completely different depending on your muscle-to-fat ratio. More muscle gives you that lean, toned look—while also supporting energy, hormone balance, and metabolism. Less muscle means higher body fat percentage, sluggish energy, and more stubborn weight.

Bottom line

You don’t just want to lose weight—you want to lose fat while keeping muscle. GLP-1 therapy has been associated with significant muscle loss in some studies. Reduced muscle mass slows metabolism and can make weight regain more likely. Inositol has been shown to support fat loss, protect muscle, and improve insulin sensitivity—making weight loss more sustainable.

Final Thoughts: Focus on Metabolic Health First

GLP-1 trials rarely focus on hormone-related weight gain, such as that seen with PCOS or insulin resistance. In these contexts, addressing the underlying metabolic root may be more effective long-term.

That’s where Myo- & D-Chiro-Inositol comes in. Inositols role in insulin signaling has been shown to provide promising support for those on their weight loss journey, especially when combined with diet and lifestyle changes under professional guidance.

When evaluating GLP-1s, it’s important to weigh potential risks—like muscle loss, metabolic slowdown, and post-treatment insulin resistance. For sustainable, long-term weight management, prioritizing metabolic health could be the smartest move.

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Anita W., PhD | Last reviewed: July 2025

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen, especially if you have existing medical conditions.

ARTICLE BIOS

Dr. Anita W.
PhD, Biomedical Scientist and Natural Medicine Practitioner

Dr. Anita Wąsik is a Biomedical Scientist and Natural Medicine Practitioner with a PhD from the University of Helsinki. She combines deep academic research with clinical experience in herbal medicine to offer evidence-based solutions for women's health. Her expertise in holistic, natural treatments adds scientific credibility to this exploration of inositol’s role in weight loss and metabolic balance. Anita is committed to unbiased, research-led education with no financial ties to Bodology’s product sales. Connect with her at anita@bodology.co.

Jasmin McVeigh
Founder of Bodology™

Jasmin McVeigh founded Bodology™ after a personal health breakthrough revealed the central role of metabolic health in conditions like PCOS, Hashimoto's, and PMDD. Her transformative experience with inositol helped restore her cycles, stabilize cravings, and boost her sense of control. Today, Jasmin collaborates with health experts to demystify metabolic health and bring practical, clinically-aligned solutions to women worldwide. Contact Jasmin via hello@bodology.co.