Why you are losing muscle, not fat

In the pursuit of a healthier weight, the number on the scale can be misleading. A drop in weight is only beneficial if it comes primarily from adipose tissue (fat). Unfortunately, many conventional approaches to weight management result in a significant loss of skeletal muscle. This is problematic because muscle is your primary metabolic engine; the less of it you have, the lower your resting metabolic rate becomes, making it easier to regain weight in the future.

The catabolic trap

When the body enters a significant energy deficit without the correct hormonal signals, it may enter a catabolic state—breaking down muscle protein to create glucose via a process called gluconeogenesis. This often happens when blood sugar is unstable or when protein intake is insufficient to meet the body’s repair needs. The goal is to remain in an anabolic (building) state for your muscles while being in a catabolic (breaking down) state for your fat stores. Achieving this balance requires precision.

Protecting your metabolic engine

To safeguard your muscle mass, the body needs two things: stimulus and resources. Resistance training provides the stimulus, telling the body that muscle tissue is essential and must be preserved. The resources include high-quality amino acids and the cellular energy required to synthesise new proteins. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at this synthesis, a process known as anabolic resistance. Supporting your cells with the right nutrients becomes increasingly vital to overcome this hurdle.

The role of cellular health

Efficient metabolism relies on healthy mitochondria to process fuel. If your cellular energy production is sluggish, your body may struggle to prioritise fat oxidation, leaning instead on the easier-to-access energy found in muscle amino acids. Ensuring your cellular environment is optimal helps steer the body toward fat loss while maintaining strength. For those seeking to enhance their metabolic efficiency, your clinician can advise whether a Welcuren NAD+ injection pen is suitable to support your journey.