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Glycine: The Additive that Protects Muscles

Jul 23, 2025

Glycine is Added to Weight Loss Medication to Help with Muscle Loss and to Decrease Injection Discomfort

There are a lot of loud ingredients in the wellness world. B12 gets all the credit for energy. NAD+ gets the biohacker fanbase. Even B6 has its moment when it squashes nausea. But glycine? Glycine just minds its business—and does its job. And, that’s why we are quietly obsessed with it!

At Flow Wellness, we like to think of glycine as your silent support system while you’re on a weight loss journey. It doesn’t get hyped on TikTok. It won’t make your skin tingle. But it will help you hold onto your muscle, sleep better, and feel more like yourself while your body is changing. All of this is important when you’re on a weight loss journey.

Here’s what glycine does:

  • It keeps your muscles from breaking down when you’re eating less

  • It helps your body make collagen (aka: joints, skin, connective tissue)

  • It can promote deeper, more restful sleep

  • It reduces inflammation, which can make your shots feel better and less irritated.

And no, you probably won’t “feel” it in your shot. That’s kind of the point. Glycine is not meant to hype you up. It’s meant to stabilize you—your tissue, your sleep, your mood, your muscle tone.

Why does glycine matter on GLP-1s?

Because GLP-one medications are amazing at helping you eat less and lose weight and feel better overall. But unless you’re lifting heavy and getting in plenty of protein (we’re talking 90+ grams a day), some of that weight will come from muscle—and that’s not what we want. Protecting your muscle mass and bone density is a full-time job while you’re on a weight loss journey with GLP’s. Glycine helps your body prioritize the right kind of loss: fat, not function.

Can I get glycine in my GLP-1?

Yes—if your provider orders your medication from Northwest Compounders Pharmacy! Glycine and Vitamin B12 are formulated at no additional cost!  Learn more about vitamin B12 here: Boost Energy with B12

If you’re on GLP-1s and serious about protecting your muscle, it’s worth talking with your Flow Wellness provider to see about adding glycine to your medication. And, of course, keep activating those muscles every day– it doesn’t have to be hours of grueling powerlifting, just enough to remind your muscles they can’t go anywhere! And don’t forget to feed your muscles protein with every meal.

So who is glycine for?

  • People lifting weights or doing resistance training

  • Anyone noticing muscle loss or “skinny fat” vibes

  • Patients who are calorie-restricted and want to protect muscle

  • Anyone who wants their joints, fascia, or skin to age gracefully

Weight loss is stressful for your body. Even when it’s planned and supported, you’re asking your system to do more with less—less fuel, fewer calories, and a faster turnover of stored energy. You won’t notice it right away. But you might notice you’re not as sore after a workout. Or that your sleep is a little deeper. Or that the scale is going down, but your strength isn’t.

And that is a win!

If you’d like to learn more about or think it might be a good thing for you, please message your provider here.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. IV/Injected vitamin formulations are not FDA approved and not indicated for any medical condition. GLP-1 weight loss medication may only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed health care provider. If your prescriber feels GLP-1 medication is right for you, obtaining a prescription is hassle-free through Flow Wellness. 

The Flow Wellness Difference

IV Therapy | Peptide Therapy & Prescription Supplement | Medical Weight Loss | Hormone Replacement | Ketamine Therapy

Clinic locations in Bend, Oregon (Old Mill) & Seattle, Washington (South Lake Union). Telehealth in California, Oregon, & Washington

Medical Weight Loss

Our medical weight loss programs are designed to deliver safe, sustainable results. We combine prescription medications, nutritional guidance, lifestyle coaching, and ongoing medical monitoring to help you lose weight, improve metabolic health, and maintain your results long-term.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

We offer hormone optimization for men and women to address fatigue, mood changes, weight gain, and other symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Our bioidentical hormone replacement programs are personalized to restore optimal levels and support overall vitality.

Peptide Therapy & Prescription Supplements

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that play a vital role in cellular function and repair. At Flow Wellness, we offer personalized peptide protocols to support athletic performance, muscle recovery, and cognitive performance. Prescription supplements available for enhanced energy, hair & skin rejuvenation, and sexual health. All treatments are medically supervised for safety and results.

Ketamine Therapy for Mental Health

Flow Wellness provides IV & oral ketamine treatments in a safe, controlled, and supportive environment. This innovative treatment has shown promise for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges—especially when traditional therapies have been ineffective. IV treatments available at our Bend, Oregon clinic.

IV Therapy in Bend, Oregon

Our customized IV infusions deliver rapid hydration and essential nutrients directly into your bloodstream for maximum absorption. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, recover from illness, enhance athletic performance, or simply feel more energized, our IV therapy options are designed to meet your specific needs.

Why patients love working with us:

  • Transparent pricing and no guesswork
  • Auto-pay and referral discounts
  • Fast shipping or in-clinic pickup
  • Friendly, experienced medical providers who really care

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If you are already working with a Flow Wellness provider, message them here. Or contact us.