GLP-1 Medications and Your Body: What We Want You to Know
Muscle loss, body changes, and why massage belongs in your care plan
GLP-1 Medications and Your Body
We are seeing more guests come to us noticing changes in how their body feels since starting GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. Fatigue they did not expect. Muscles that feel tighter or weaker. A sense that their body is changing faster than it feels ready for.
If this is you, please know: you are not alone. And we are here to support you.
This is the third blog in our series on GLP-1 medications and whole-body wellness. We have already covered hair and skin. Now we want to talk about your muscles, your comfort, and how massage therapy fits into caring for a body that is working hard to change.
Understanding What Is Happening
When caloric intake drops significantly, the body does not always pull energy from fat stores alone. Muscle tissue can be affected too, especially when protein intake is low or movement is limited. This is one of the less-discussed effects of rapid weight loss.
Some of what guests describe includes:
• Fatigue that feels out of proportion to their activity level
• Muscle tightness or a general sense of tension
• Reduced strength compared to before starting medication
• Postural changes, especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back
• Slower recovery after exercise or a full day on their feet
These are not signs that something is wrong with you. They are signs that your body is adapting, and that takes real support.
Weight loss is supposed to feel like a win. And it often does. But it can also be disorienting, and there is nothing wrong with you if this process feels more complicated than you expected.
Where Massage Fits In
Massage is often thought of as a treat. It is also real physical care, especially when the body is navigating change.
For guests on GLP-1 medications, massage can:
• Improve circulation to fatigued or underperforming muscle tissue
• Support recovery between workouts or active days
• Address postural tension before it becomes chronic
• Help you feel more present and grounded in a body that is shifting
What to Expect at Bella Trio
You do not need the right words when you come in. Just tell your therapist how your body has been feeling and let them take it from there. We adjust pressure, technique, and focus areas based on what you share.
You are welcome here exactly as you are. Your body does not need to be at any particular stage of a health journey for you to deserve care.
What We Want You to Remember
• Muscle soreness, fatigue, and tension are common during rapid weight loss
• These experiences do not mean something is wrong
• Massage offers real support beyond relaxation
• Protein intake and gentle movement also make a meaningful difference
• You do not have to wait until something hurts to come in
We are here to support you through this. If you have questions or want to talk through what might help, reach out or book a session at any of our Durham locations.
Ready to Support Your Body?
Massage services are available at all both Bella Trio locations in Durham.
Written by Renee Rawlins, Marketing Director
Bella Trio Salon and Spa | Durham | Hillsborough
References
Lim SS, et al. "Semaglutide and muscle composition in adults with obesity." Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2023.
Melancon MO, et al. "Exercise and massage therapy for muscle recovery." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2014.
Field T. "Massage therapy research review." Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2016.
American Council on Exercise. "Protein and muscle preservation during weight loss." acefitness.org, 2024.