Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs have many benefits, especially for patients taking weight loss medications.
- Muscle growth: BCAAs can help stimulate muscle protein synthesis, the process of building muscle.
- Reduced muscle soreness: BCAAs may help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue after exercise.
- Blood sugar levels: BCAAs may help lower or maintain normal blood sugar levels.
- Liver disease: BCAAs may help reduce brain function in people with advanced liver disease.
- Movement disorders: BCAAs may help with a movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs.
BCAAs benefit patients taking semaglutide or tirzepatide weight loss shots because they encourage muscle growth. A potential side effect of weight loss shots is muscle loss due to reduced caloric consumption.