Do GLP-1 ,a New Weight-Loss Drug Cost Us Muscle? A Computational Study Using NHANES data

My project is about glucagon-like peptides-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro— that produce remarkable weight loss, but scientists question whether this loss is always healthy. Evidence suggests that patients may lose both fat and muscle, and declining muscle mass can weaken strength, metabolic health and potentially increased  mortality risk . Because patient-level GLP-1 data are not publicly available, we will use the free National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset to model how weight reduction and metabolic improvement—similar to those seen with GLP-1 therapy—affect muscle mass and quality. We will combine NHANES body-composition and laboratory data with published clinical ratios of fat:muscle loss to simulate adaptive (healthy) and maladaptive (unhealthy) responses. 

  Methods

Data Source: NHANES 2017–March 2020 datasets: demographics, DXA lean and fat mass, HbA1c, insulin, lipids, diet and activity surveys, and medication use.
Groups: “GLP-1-like” = Type 2 diabetes participants with good control (HbA1c < 6.5 %). “Baseline” = those with poor control (HbA1c > 8 %).
Model: Simulate 10–20 % weight loss and apply literature-based ratios (20–50 % lean loss). Compute a standardized muscle z-score by sex, age, and BMI, classifying results as Adaptive (z ≥ −0.5 SD) or Maladaptive (z < −0.5 SD).
Tools: Python , Excel and AI. Validate results against STEP and SURMOUNT clinical data.

This project bridges popular weight-loss drug use and muscle-health awareness. Using public data and computation, we aim to promote healthy weight loss without losing strength.

(I am looking for a mentor)