GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have reshaped the weight management landscape in recent years.
A new consumer insight study from CHEMI Nutra has uncovered an under-reported risk that comes with these medications — muscle loss — and a strong appetite for supplement solutions to counter it.
Key findings
GLP-1 medications can cause muscle wasting (loss of lean mass), with some studies indicating that it may constitute a significant portion of total weight loss.
Therefore, there is now a strong consumer demand for supplements that protect muscles.
In a national survey of 548 US consumers, CHEMI Nutra found 78% of GLP-1 users were “definitely” or “very interested” in muscle-protecting supplements during weight loss.
Consumer awareness of the risk of muscle loss is also highest among current users (64%), but less than half (46%) of non-users are aware.
This highlights a significant education gap in the broader market.
The study also found that interest in muscle protection remains high after GLP-1 discontinuation (71%), indicating a persistent need for ongoing nutritional support.
It is not just muscle mass that consumers want to protect — mental health is also a concern.
Nearly half of current users (47%) report emotional or mental side effects tied to rapid physical transformation, reinforcing the need for solutions that support both body and mind.
The need for support doesn’t end when the medication stops — 71% of former users also expressed strong interest, indicating that the concern lingers well beyond active treatment.
“GLP-1s are powerful tools, but they can leave a gap between the body people are living in and how they feel in it," said Michael Petteruti, President at CHEMI Nutra.
"Muscle preservation isn’t just a physical benefit; it’s part of helping people stay confident, capable and connected to themselves through change.”
CHEMI Nutra positions muscle protection as an essential part of Emotional Anchoring — the emotional scaffolding that supports identity and motivation during major transitions.
Visitors at SupplySide West, October 29-30 in Las Vegas, can meet CHEMI Nutra at booth #6511 to explore this emerging white space in the supplement market.