Mixed
Supplementation with β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) may preserve fat-free mass and increase muscle strength in individuals undergoing weight reduction, although robust evidence in obesity patients is lacking.
HMB might help preserve muscle during weight loss, especially in older adults or those losing weight quickly. However, evidence is limited for obesity patients. Prioritize protein and exercise first; consider HMB as a potential add-on if affordable and after consulting a healthcare provider.
HMB supplementation has received interest in other settings in which individuals experience weight reduction. For instance, a placebo-controlled, randomized study in college-aged male boxers experiencing acute weight reduction found that HMB supplementation showed evidence of preserving FFM... Another randomized, placebo-controlled study found that 6 weeks of HMB supplementation increased muscle strength in sedentary older women who had overweight
Why this rating
The paper explicitly states 'Research to date has not investigated HMB supplementation to address lean mass preservation during weight reduction in patients with obesity through robust, placebo-controlled studies.'
Source
Evolution of multidisciplinary obesity treatments: past, present, and future role of nutrition
Steven B. Heymsfield et al. · Obesity · 2025
DOI 10.1002/oby.24340
More from this paper
- Obesity medications (OMs) such as semaglutide and tirzepatide cause significant weight loss but also result in lean mass loss, necessitating targeted nutritional and exercise interventions to preserve skeletal muscle.Good
- To preserve skeletal muscle mass during obesity treatment with obesity medications (OMs) or caloric restriction, patients should consume 0.8 g/kg/day of high-quality protein (minimum 60-80 g/day), with higher requirements (1.0-1.5 g/kg/day) for older adults and those with chronic diseases.Moderate
Related findings · Mixed
- Bariatric surgery (VSG and RYGB) is the most effective and sustainable treatment for obesity, producing marked and sustained weight loss that non-surgical interventions cannot match.Strong
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