With a new class of obesity treatments accelerating patient weight loss, researchers are turning their attention to an equally critical priority: preserving lean muscle mass.
A trio of newly published papers have highlighted why HMB (β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate), which increases protein synthesis while reducing protein breakdown, is rapidly emerging as an essential component for weight management formulations.
Obesity treatment trade-offs lead to serious concerns
Researchers have observed that whilst newer obesity therapies do indeed drive significant weight loss, a meaningful portion of that loss can come from lean muscle mass.
This shift in body composition has raised concerns about long-term strength, metabolic health and functional outcomes if muscle preservation strategies are not integrated alongside treatment.
"Muscle is the engine of metabolism. Any weight management strategy that ignores it is incomplete," said TSI Group Senior Director of Global Ingredient Science Shawn Baier.
"The new era of obesity care has put muscle health in the spotlight. Ingredients such as HMB — credible, well-studied, safe and effective — should be at the forefront for brands, researchers, dietitians, trainers and consumers alike."
Clinical review highlights HMB’s muscle-protecting role
A review published in the journal Obesity stated that multidisciplinary obesity care must include nutritional strategies to protect muscle and bone.
Leucine and HMB are highlighted as promising tools.
"With the promise of effective and safe (weight reduction) treatments comes the need to emphasise maximal reduction of body fat and minimal loss of vital body components, including skeletal muscle and bone," the researchers stated.
"HMB has been shown to stabilise muscle cell membranes, reduce protein catabolism and increase muscle protein synthesis."
"Muscle plays a central role in strength, mobility and metabolism and the loss of muscle mass leads to significant negative health outcomes across the continuum of care."
"Clinicians should recognise the risk of muscle mass loss during weight reduction in patients with obesity and consider supplementation when warranted, in addition to nutrition and physical activity, to retain muscle mass and function."
"Supplements that include HMB and other targeted nutrition strategies may further support this goal.”
Study examines HMB’s benefits even while consuming a high-fat diet
The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry has additionally published results of an animal study with exciting implications.
The article, β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) increases muscle mass and diminishes weight gain in high-fat-fed mice, examines HMB’s metabolic effects on body weight.
In high-fat-diet mice, HMB reduced fat and weight gain, increased muscle, improved fatty acid oxidation, lowered inflammation and activated muscle-building pathways.
Researchers noted: "As HMB promotes muscle protein synthesis and muscle tissue has a higher metabolic rate compared to fat, an increase in muscle mass could contribute to higher energy expenditure and better weight management."
“In addition, HMB has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties and a reduction in inflammatory markers such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)."
"As obesity is often associated with low-grade systemic inflammation, HMB supplementation may indirectly improve metabolic health in individuals with obesity."
Review describes how HMB helps attenuate muscle loss from GLP-1 use for weight loss
Science Direct has also published a narrative review addressing the nutritional concerns related to GLP-1 use for weight loss, including a marked amount of skeletal muscle loss.
The paper, Dietary supplement considerations during glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment, explains why HMB supplementation may be beneficial for mitigating this unintended muscle loss.
Researchers cite HMB’s unique capability to stimulate protein synthesis and help prevent muscle degradation pathways simultaneously.
“The mechanistic basis for this potential benefit is strong to help preserve muscle mass during such rapid and substantial weight loss, although this has not yet been studied."
"For now, based on the available evidence, 3 g/d of HMB supplementation is warranted as a recommendation to help support pathways related to protein turnover.”
Together, these papers reinforce HMB’s compelling body composition story HMB is well-positioned as a credible, safe, research-backed ingredient for next-generation weight management formulations.
"At TSI, we’ve understood the benefits of HMB for body composition for decades,” commented Baier.
"It’s encouraging to see this area of research expanding. As weight management strategies evolve, it’s clear that protecting muscle is just as important as reducing fat."
TSI Group’s myHMB offers supplement brands an innovation opportunity to support muscle preservation in weight management, including for consumers using GLP-1s.
It is the only USP-verified HMB, Informed Ingredient certified and supported by NSF and GMP certifications — ensuring quality, safety and efficacy.
myHMB can be used in everything from traditional capsules and tablets to bars and drink mixes.
The free acid form can be used in soft gels and liquid caps, functional beverages, chews and more.