Research
Mixed
High-quality weight loss, defined as maximizing fat loss while preserving skeletal muscle mass, is critical for maintaining metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and long-term weight maintenance.
When losing weight, prioritize strategies that protect your muscles, such as adequate protein intake and resistance exercise. Losing muscle along with fat can harm your metabolism and insulin sensitivity, making long-term weight maintenance harder.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
We refer here to high-quality weight loss as a high proportion of fat versus skeletal muscle lost... Preservation of muscle mass during weight loss is likely to be central to improved insulin sensitivity.
Why this rating
Based on a comprehensive review of multiple studies, clinical trials, and physiological mechanisms.
Source
High-Quality Weight Loss in Obesity: Importance of Skeletal Muscle
Mary‐Ellen Harper et al. · Diabetes · 2025
narrative_reviewCited 13×
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