Building muscle while taking semaglutide is possible, but it requires prioritizing protein intake and strength training. Semaglutide can reduce appetite, so consistent meals with enough protein help protect lean muscle. Progressive resistance workouts, adequate calories, and proper recovery support muscle growth while managing weight loss goals.
At FACE Skincare Medical Wellness in Bingham Farms, Michigan, founder Holly Cutler and her team have helped clients along the Telegraph Road corridor transform their bodies for over 20 years. Named “One of the Most Advanced Medspas in the Country” by Forbes, our clinic combines aesthetic expertise with the holistic care of renowned naturopathic physician Dr. Doug Cutler. This means Bloomfield Hills, Franklin, and Beverly Hills residents get complete support for their weight loss goals.
Why Muscle Loss on Semaglutide Matters
Semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy help people lose weight fast. But research shows a catch. Up to 40% of weight lost on these medications can come from lean mass, not just fat. A 2025 study from Harvard Medical School found that losing muscle on semaglutide reduces the drug’s blood sugar benefits.
What Muscle Does for Your Body
Muscle is your body’s engine. It burns calories all day, even at rest. The National Institutes of Health reports that skeletal muscles handle 80-85% of glucose disposal after meals. Lose too much muscle, and your metabolism slows down. This makes keeping weight off much harder.
Strong muscles also help daily life. They let you carry groceries, climb stairs, and stay active through Michigan’s cold winters. For Bingham Farms and Bloomfield Hills residents who want to stay fit year-round, protecting muscle during weight loss is key.
Who Loses the Most Muscle
Not everyone loses muscle at the same rate. Research presented at ENDO 2025 by the Endocrine Society found three groups face higher risk:
- Older adults
- Women
- People who eat less protein
If you fall into any of these groups, you need to pay extra attention to the tips in this guide.
The FACE Approach to Weight Loss
For over 20 years, FACE Skincare Medical Wellness has been Oakland County’s top choice for beauty and wellness. Holly Cutler, known as The Skin Saint™, built her career helping people transform their skin and bodies. After seeing clients struggle with semaglutide side effects like muscle loss and “Ozempic face,” she partnered with her husband Dr. Doug Cutler to create a better path.
Why We Created Thinnr
Thinnr is the nation’s first homeopathic medical weight loss program. Unlike semaglutide shots, Thinnr helps Bingham Farms and Franklin residents lose 20-25 pounds in six weeks without severe muscle loss. The program includes:
- No injections
- No toxic medications
- Natural appetite control
- Preserved muscle mass
- No “Ozempic face” concerns
Our Telegraph Road clinic offers Thinnr both in-person and virtually. This gives Beverly Hills and Bloomfield Hills clients flexible options that fit their busy lives.
Protein: Your Best Tool for Keeping Muscle
Protein gives your muscles the building blocks they need. Without enough protein, your body breaks down existing muscle for fuel. This matters even more when you eat less food overall.
How Much Protein You Need
The basic guideline is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. But that amount just prevents deficiency. It does not protect muscle during weight loss.
For people on semaglutide, experts suggest 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram daily. Here is what that looks like:
| Your Weight | Minimum Daily Protein | Optimal Daily Protein |
|---|---|---|
| 150 lbs (68 kg) | 82 grams | 109 grams |
| 180 lbs (82 kg) | 98 grams | 131 grams |
| 200 lbs (91 kg) | 109 grams | 146 grams |
| 220 lbs (100 kg) | 120 grams | 160 grams |
When to Eat Protein
Your body can only use so much protein at once. Eating all your protein at dinner wastes muscle-building chances.
Spread your intake across the day. Aim for 25 to 30 grams at each meal. This keeps amino acids flowing to your muscles around the clock. Add protein snacks if you need more to hit your target.
Best Protein Foods
Focus on complete proteins with all essential amino acids:
- Chicken breast: 25-30 grams per 3 oz serving
- Fish (salmon, tuna, cod): 20-25 grams per 3 oz serving
- Eggs: 6 grams each
- Greek yogurt: 15-20 grams per cup
- Cottage cheese: 14 grams per half cup
- Lean beef: 22 grams per 3 oz serving
Plant options like tofu, lentils, and beans work too. You may need larger portions to get enough protein from these sources.
The Appetite Challenge
Semaglutide cuts your appetite. Many clients at our Bingham Farms clinic say they struggle to eat enough. Here are tips that help:
- Eat protein first at every meal
- Choose calorie-dense, protein-rich foods
- Use protein shakes when solid food feels hard
- Track intake with a food app
Our team can suggest quality protein supplements that support your goals during your consultation.
Strength Training Saves Muscle
Exercise tells your body that muscles matter. Without this signal, your body may burn muscle for energy during weight loss.
Why Weights Beat Cardio
Cardio burns calories during your workout. But it does little to protect muscle. Too much cardio while eating less can speed up muscle loss.
Strength training works differently. It creates tiny tears in muscle fibers. Your body repairs these and builds muscle back stronger. This process shields your lean mass even when you eat fewer calories.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that strength training also helps prevent the loose skin and facial sagging that come with rapid weight loss.
How Often to Train
Aim for two to three strength sessions each week. Research shows this frequency protects muscle best during weight loss. Allow 48 hours between sessions for the same muscle groups.
Best Exercises
Compound movements give you the most value. These work multiple muscle groups at once:
Squats – Target legs, glutes, and core. Great for daily activities like sitting and standing.
Deadlifts – Work your back, glutes, and hamstrings. Build a strong foundation.
Push-ups – Strengthen chest, shoulders, and triceps. Modify on knees if needed.
Rows – Balance pushing moves by working back and biceps.
Lunges – Build single-leg strength and balance.
Sample Weekly Plan
Day 1 – Lower Body
- Squats: 3 sets of 10 reps
- Lunges: 3 sets of 8 each leg
- Romanian deadlifts: 3 sets of 10 reps
Day 3 – Upper Body
- Push-ups or chest press: 3 sets of 10 reps
- Rows: 3 sets of 10 reps
- Overhead press: 3 sets of 10 reps
Day 5 – Full Body
- Goblet squats: 3 sets of 10 reps
- Dumbbell rows: 3 sets of 10 each arm
- Push-ups: 3 sets of 10 reps
Semaglutide vs. Thinnr: A Comparison
Many Franklin and Beverly Hills residents ask how traditional GLP-1 medications compare to our Thinnr protocol. Here is a side-by-side look:
| Factor | Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) | Thinnr at FACE |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Weekly injections | Oral homeopathic drops |
| Muscle Loss Risk | Up to 40% of weight from lean mass | Designed to preserve muscle |
| “Ozempic Face” Risk | Common with rapid weight loss | Minimized by slower, natural process |
| Typical Weight Loss | 15-20% of body weight | 20-25 lbs in 6 weeks |
| Side Effects | Nausea, fatigue, GI issues common | Minimal reported side effects |
| Medical Supervision | Varies by provider | Full supervision by Dr. Doug Cutler’s team |
| Sustainability | Weight often returns when stopped | Built for long-term maintenance |
Fixing Loose Skin and “Ozempic Face”
Fast weight loss can leave marks. “Ozempic face” describes the hollow, aged look when facial fat vanishes quickly. Loose skin on the body creates similar concerns.
Why This Happens
When you lose weight fast, fat disappears before skin can tighten. Collagen and elastin fibers cannot keep pace. The result is sagging, wrinkles, and a deflated look.
How Muscle Helps
Building muscle fills some space left by lost fat. Your body looks firmer and more toned. Muscle gives structure that prevents the “deflated” look.
Treatment Options at Our Bingham Farms Clinic
FACE offers Michigan’s largest selection of body contouring technologies. For clients who develop loose skin or facial volume loss, we provide:
Body sculpting treatments like Emsculpt NEO build muscle while burning fat. This directly addresses the muscle loss concern many semaglutide users face.
Skin tightening treatments use radiofrequency and ultrasound to firm sagging areas without surgery.
Cellulite reduction therapies smooth dimpled skin that becomes more visible after weight loss.
For facial concerns, our Master Nurse Injectors offer dermal fillers and other treatments to restore lost volume.
Supporting Your Body Through Weight Loss
Weight loss puts stress on your body. The right support helps you keep energy, protect muscle, and feel your best.
IV Nutrient Therapy
Semaglutide reduces food intake. This can create nutrient gaps. IV nutrient therapy at our Telegraph Road clinic delivers vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly to your bloodstream.
Many Bloomfield Hills and Franklin clients find that regular IV sessions help them:
- Maintain workout energy
- Recover faster
- Support muscle health
- Fill nutritional gaps
Sleep and Recovery
Your body builds muscle during sleep. Growth hormone peaks in deep sleep phases. This hormone plays a big role in muscle repair and fat burning.
Aim for 7 to 9 hours each night. Keep a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends.
Stress Management
Chronic stress releases cortisol. This hormone breaks down muscle and stores fat. Managing stress supports both weight loss and muscle goals.
Dr. Doug Cutler’s wellness treatments at FACE address stress through naturopathic methods. His holistic approach looks at how lifestyle factors affect your whole body.
Tracking Progress the Right Way
The scale does not tell the whole story. You can gain muscle, lose fat, and see the same number. That is actually a win.
Better Ways to Measure
Body measurements show more truth. Track your waist, hips, arms, and thighs. A smaller waist with stable arms means you are doing things right.
Progress photos work well too. Take pictures in the same lighting every few weeks. Side-by-side views reveal changes you might miss daily.
Strength Gains Matter
Keep a workout log. Write down weights and reps. Getting stronger over time proves you are building or keeping muscle, no matter what the scale says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Build Muscle While Taking Semaglutide?
Yes, you can build muscle while taking semaglutide. The drug does not block muscle growth directly. But you must eat enough protein and do strength training. Without these, your body may lose muscle along with fat. Bingham Farms residents who follow proper protocols can lose fat while keeping their strength.
How Much Protein Should I Eat on Semaglutide?
Aim for 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. For a 180-pound person, that means 98 to 131 grams daily. Spread your intake across all meals with 25 to 30 grams at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What Percentage of Weight Loss on Semaglutide Is Muscle?
Research shows up to 40% of weight lost on GLP-1 drugs can come from lean mass. But this drops a lot when people focus on protein and strength training. Studies from 2025 show that proper habits help people lose mostly fat while keeping muscle.
How Often Should I Strength Train While on Semaglutide?
Train with weights two to three times per week. Focus on compound moves like squats, deadlifts, rows, and push-ups. Rest 48 hours between sessions for the same muscles. Our team at FACE in Bingham Farms can help create a plan that fits your fitness level.
What Is Ozempic Face and How Can I Prevent It?
Ozempic face is the gaunt, hollow look that comes from rapid facial fat loss. Skin loses volume faster than it can tighten. Prevention includes losing weight at a steady pace and keeping muscle mass. For Beverly Hills and Bloomfield Hills residents who develop volume loss, FACE offers fillers and skin tightening to restore a youthful look.
Does FACE Offer Alternatives to Semaglutide?
Yes. FACE Skincare Medical Wellness offers Thinnr, the nation’s first homeopathic weight loss protocol. Created by Holly Cutler and Dr. Doug Cutler, Thinnr helps clients lose 20-25 pounds in six weeks without injections or severe muscle loss. The program runs both in-person at our Bingham Farms clinic and virtually.
Can I Combine Weight Loss With Body Sculpting Treatments?
Yes. Many Franklin and Bloomfield Hills clients pair weight loss with body sculpting for better results. Emsculpt NEO builds muscle while burning fat. Skin tightening firms loose areas as you slim down. During your consultation on Telegraph Road, we create a full plan for your body goals.
Final Thoughts
Building muscle while taking semaglutide takes effort and intention. Eat 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Strength train at least twice per week with compound exercises. Get enough sleep and manage stress to support recovery.
For Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Hills, Franklin, and Beverly Hills residents who want complete support, FACE Skincare Medical Wellness offers everything under one roof. From the Thinnr weight loss program to body sculpting and skin tightening, our Telegraph Road clinic helps you reach your goals without compromise.
Holly Cutler, The Skin Saint™, has spent over 20 years helping people transform their bodies and skin. With Dr. Doug Cutler’s naturopathic expertise and our team of Skin Management Experts™, you get care that addresses weight loss from every angle.
Ready to start your transformation? Call FACE Skincare Medical Wellness at (248) 663-0161 or visit us at 31350 Telegraph Rd., Suite 102, Bingham Farms, MI. We proudly serve clients throughout Bloomfield Hills, Franklin, Beverly Hills, and the surrounding Telegraph Road corridor.
Your stronger, leaner self starts here.
