Three new papers highlight HMB’s significant role in healthy body composition, signaling interest in its use in the next generation of weight management formulations
As a new class of obesity treatments accelerates weight loss outcomes, researchers are turning their attention to an equally critical priority: preserving lean muscle mass. Three newly published papers highlight why HMB, which increases protein synthesis while reducing protein breakdown, is rapidly emerging as an essential component for weight management formulations.
Obesity Treatment Trade-offs Lead to Serious Concerns
Researchers are observing that while newer obesity therapies drive significant weight loss, a meaningful portion of that loss can come from lean muscle mass in addition to fat. This shift in body composition raises concerns about long-term strength, metabolic health and functional outcomes if muscle preservation strategies are not integrated alongside treatment.
“Muscle is the engine of metabolism. Any weight management strategy that ignores it, is incomplete,” observes TSI Group Senior Director, Global Ingredient Science Shawn Baier, M.S., M.B.A. “The new era of obesity care has put muscle health in the spotlight. Ingredients like HMB — credible, well-studied, safe, and effective — should be at the forefront for brands, researchers, dietitians, trainers, and consumers alike.”
Clinical Review Highlights HMB’s Muscle-Protecting Role
The Obesity Research Journal has published a review, “Evolution of multidisciplinary obesity treatments: past, present, and future role of nutrition” authored by a prestigious group of researchers. The paper, funded by Abbott, states that multidisciplinary obesity care must include nutritional strategies to protect muscle and bone. Leucine and HMB are highlighted as promising tools.
“With the promise of effective and safe (weight reduction) treatments comes the need to emphasize maximal reduction of body fat and minimal loss of vital body components including skeletal muscle and bone,” the researchers stated.
They continued, “HMB has been shown to stabilize muscle cell membranes, reduce protein catabolism, and increase muscle protein synthesis. Muscle plays a central role in strength, mobility, and metabolism, and the loss of muscle mass leads to significant negative health outcomes across the continuum of care.
“Clinicians should recognize the risk of muscle mass loss during weight reduction in patients with obesity and consider supplementation when warranted, in addition to nutrition and physical activity, to retain muscle mass and function. Supplements that include HMB and other targeted nutrition strategies may further support this goal.”
Study Examines HMB’s Benefits Even While Consuming a High-Fat Diet
The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry published results of an animal study with exciting implications. The article, β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) increases muscle mass and diminishes weight gain in high-fat-fed mice, examines HMB’s metabolic effects on body weight.
In high-fat diet mice, HMB reduced fat and weight gain, increased muscle, improved fatty acid oxidation, lowered inflammation, and activated muscle-building pathways.
Researchers noted, “As HMB promotes muscle protein synthesis and muscle tissue has a higher metabolic rate compared to fat, an increase in muscle mass could contribute to higher energy expenditure and better weight management.
“In addition, HMB has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties and reduction in inflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) [1]. As obesity is often associated with low-grade systemic inflammation, HMB supplementation may indirectly improve metabolic health in individuals with obesity.”
Review Describes How HMB Helps Attenuate Muscle Loss from GLP-1 Use for Weight Loss
Science Direct published a narrative review addressing the nutritional concerns related to GLP-1 use for weight loss, including a marked amount of skeletal muscle loss. The paper, Dietary supplement considerations during glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment, explains why HMB supplementation may be beneficial for mitigating this unintended muscle loss.
Researchers cite HMB’s unique capability to stimulate protein synthesis and help prevent muscle degradation pathways simultaneously. “The mechanistic basis for this potential benefit is strong to help preserve muscle mass during such rapid and substantial weight loss, although this has not yet been studied … For now, based on the available evidence, 3 g/d of HMB supplementation is warranted as a recommendation to help support pathways related to protein turnover.”
Together, These Papers Reinforce HMB’s Compelling Body Composition Story
HMB is well positioned as a credible, safe, research-backed ingredient for next-generation weight management formulations. “At TSI, we’ve understood the benefits of HMB for body composition for decades,” comments Baier. “It’s encouraging to see this area of research expanding. As weight management strategies evolve, it’s clear that protecting muscle is just as important as reducing fat.”
TSI Group’s myHMB® offers supplement brands an innovation opportunity to support muscle preservation in weight management, including for consumers using GLP-1s. It is the only USP-verified HMB, Informed Ingredient certified, and supported by NSF and GMP certifications — ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy.
myHMB can be used in everything from traditional capsules and tablets to bars and drink mixes. The free acid form can be used in soft gels and liquid caps, functional beverages, chews and more.
To discover more about HMB’s scientifically credible, clinically recommended, and commercially viable benefits for weight loss formulations, visit TSIGroupLtd.com.
