Ozempic Muscle Loss May Finally Have a Solution, And It Was Right in Front of Us All Along

Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about weight loss treatments in the world. While it is effective at reducing weight, some patients have reported unexpected side effects, such as loss of muscle mass. But a new study suggests that advanced body sculpting technologies can help increase strength and function.

Research from the Clinic of Psychosomatic and Family Medicine in Zurich compared patients on Ozempic with those undergoing a muscle-stimulating treatment using the VIP-Line electromyostimulation device.

Researchers, including Virginia Meskenaite, PhD, Alexey Schwarz, MD, PhD, and Natalia Rudovich, MD, looked at how treatments like the VIP-Line and Ozempic influenced patients' body composition, including their Body-Mass-Index (BMI), body fat, lean body mass, and skeletal muscle mass.

The results were striking. While patients on Ozempic alone lost muscle mass within just four weeks, those who received body sculpting sessions with the VIP-Line showed progressive muscle growth and improved body composition.

The VIP-Line Difference: Building Muscle

The study observed a 67-year-old patient who underwent 8 treatments with the VIP Hi-Line system. The results showed progressive muscle mass growth. This is a significant finding, as maintaining or increasing muscle mass is vital for overall health, particularly as we age.

One patient who used the Vip Hi-Line Lipo device expressed immense satisfaction, stating that after just two treatments on their back, glutes, and abdomen, long-standing pain under their shoulder blade completely disappeared. They also reported no more tension or pain in their feet during Pilates sessions, feeling greater ease of movement, less pain, and enjoying movement more.

“After just two treatments on my back, glutes, and abdomen, the pain under my shoulder blade — which I'd struggled with for nearly 20 years — completely disappeared during movement! (Massages and exercises had never helped before.) 

“Even during my Pilates sessions, I no longer experience tension or pain in my feet. Overall, Iʼm moving with greater ease, feeling less pain, and enjoying every movement so much more!ˮ 

Researcher Virginia Meskenaite, PhD, commented: “⁠Body confidence is very important. Beyond physical transformation, improved self-perception fosters adherence to lifestyle changes, enhances patient motivation, and supports long-term health. Integrating strategies that strengthen confidence ensures a more holistic and effective therapeutic pathway.

“Electromyostimulation (EMS) demonstrates a high degree of efficacy, often exceeding the effects of conventional training in certain populations. Clinical evidence highlights its value for individuals who struggle with regular exercise routines, such as older adults or sedentary office workers, where EMS significantly improves muscle tone, strength, and metabolic activity.

“⁠Transion does wonders, no doubt. Among all the body sculpting methods, Transion stands out as particularly effective in supporting muscle preservation and regeneration. Its targeted approach stimulates muscular activity, counteracting the loss of lean mass often associated with rapid weight reduction in patients undergoing Ozempic therapy.

“It can be used for both short and long-term benefits. While short-term interventions improve immediate muscle tone and aesthetics, the greater priority lies in sustaining muscle strength and metabolic health post-weight loss. We place emphasis on long-term strategies to preserve functionality, prevent muscle loss, and support overall vitality.”

Ozempic's Impact: Muscle Loss Observed

In contrast, the study also looked at a 50-year-old patient who took Ozempic for four weeks. The findings indicated substantial muscle mass loss under Ozempic treatment. This means that while the patient's weight and BMI decreased, a notable portion of that loss was unfortunately muscle.

In response to the findings, Anastasia Lesnikova, Product Expert at VIP Italia, said: “Many people think about weight loss in terms of the number on the scale, but it's important to understand what that weight is made of. Losing muscle mass, especially for older adults, can be a serious health concern, potentially impacting quality of life and even longevity. Unfortunately, even something as simple as restricting your calories can lead to losing muscle along with fat.

“Not all weight loss is created equal, and treatments need to be carefully considered for their potential impact on muscle mass. If you're looking to improve your body composition and support your muscle health, especially for long-term well-being, it’s crucial to consider treatments that actively promote muscle growth rather than just weight loss alone.

“Body sculpting machines, which use gentle electrical impulses to stimulate muscle fibres, could become a key part of weight-loss treatment plans. After all, beyond aesthetics, they provide a way to safeguard health, mobility, and quality of life.”

Setting a New Standard

Although awareness of Ozempic’s side effects is growing, many patients still lack structured support to maintain long-term well-being. Practitioners and therapists now have an opportunity to set a new standard, ensuring weight management is paired with comprehensive Pre-Treatment Preparation, In-Treatment Support, and Post-Treatment Aftercare.

Leading this movement is Lea Lawrence, Founder of G-Labs, CMA Fellow, and finalist for the Roberta MacMillan FCMA Lifetime Achievement Award (2025). She also serves as a Service Provider for The King’s Trust in Training Beauty, Aesthetics & Wellness, supporting individuals through HRH-backed initiatives. Since 1997, Lea has helped clients manage adverse outcomes of weight and wellness treatments by focusing on VIP Technology for non-surgical, needle-free protocols that restore, balance, and elevate vitality.

In partnership with VIP Italia, she has introduced the world’s first CMA-accredited CPD training and treatment programs for practitioners and therapists, blending decades of clinical expertise with innovative protocols for skin laxity, muscles, fat, and lymphatic systems. These include metabolic rebalancing, facial & body toning, and lymphatic drainage for precision rejuvenation, providing clients with a safe, holistic path to recovery and long-term well-being.

Speaking about the challenges clients face, Lea said: “Many people see weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro as miracle fixes, but are caught off guard by the side effects. Common reactions such as fatigue, nausea, digestive discomfort, and skin laxity, muscle or hair loss are more prevalent than realised. And beyond the physical concerns are the emotional and mood side effects that leave patients feeling worse about themselves, even while the scales show weight loss.

“We are encouraging more practitioners to step forward and support patients through these challenges. Weight management is not just about numbers. If the focus is only on the scales, patients risk losing morale, self-esteem, and confidence. Our goal is to ensure clients feel fully supported with access to treatment protocols that elevate both physiological health and psychological well-being.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

About the Study

The study "Electromyostimulation VIP-Line vs. Ozempic" was conducted by Virginia Meskenaite, PhD; Alexey Schwarz, MD, PhD, from the Clinic of Psychosomatic and Family Medicine in Zurich, Switzerland, and Natalia Rudovich, MD, from the Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland

CMA-approved and accredited protocols with CPD options by Lea Lawrence, FCMA, are industry firsts to address GLP-1 injection side effects, offering practitioners structured, accredited solutions.