top of page
Search

GLP-1- Weight Loss Drugs


GLP-1s, Weight Loss & Women 40+: What You’re Not Being Told


After my post last week, I had so many people reach out and private message me. The messages were incredibly insightful and honest — everyone had their own story, their own experience, and their own take on it.


As I said, I’m going to get educated and qualified in this area so I can support women properly.


In the meantime, I’ve been doing my own research and wanted to put this little blog together to help start the conversation.



💊 What Are GLP-1s?


GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro) are used to support blood sugar regulation and are increasingly being prescribed for weight loss.


These drugs mimic a hormone that helps:


Regulate blood sugar


Suppress appetite


Slow digestion (so you feel fuller, longer)


Reduce the liver’s release of glucose


Increase insulin production


Lower hunger signals to the brain



In short: less hunger, fewer cravings, and weight loss.


But — and it’s a big but — this is NOT a quick fix.

And it comes with risks that many aren’t being told about.


⚖️ The Benefits (For Some)


Reduced cravings (especially sugar)


Appetite control


Support with emotional eating


Blood sugar regulation


Weight loss


Can be helpful for those with insulin resistance, PCOS, or type 2 diabetes



Many women have shared how these medications helped them break free from years of food obsession. For some, it’s been life-changing.


But it’s not the whole story…



⚠️ The Side Effects & Consequences


🧠 Mental Health Risks


Some users have reported:


Low mood and anxiety


Depression


Suicidal thoughts and behaviour



This isn’t talked about enough. Your emotional wellbeing matters — and any changes in mental health should never be ignored.


💪 Muscle Loss — the Silent Risk


One of the biggest concerns is loss of lean mass.


Studies show that up to 40% of weight lost with GLP-1 meds is from muscle, bone, and other lean tissue — not just fat.


That’s a huge red flag, especially for women over 40 who are already at risk of muscle loss due to hormonal changes.


Why does this matter?


Muscle is metabolically active — it keeps your metabolism firing


Less muscle = slower metabolism, fatigue, and easier weight regain


If you regain weight after stopping the drug, it's often more fat and less muscle



💡 Example: Lose 10lbs on the drug — 6lbs fat, 4lbs muscle

Come off the drug — the fat returns, but the muscle doesn’t.



🤢 Physical Side Effects


Nausea


Stomach upset


Gallstones


Pancreatitis


Abdominal discomfort



For some women, these effects become too much to manage long term.



🔄 What Happens When You Stop?


The early weight loss and appetite control can feel amazing — but for many, it doesn’t last.


Cravings often return (especially after 1–2 years)


Weight loss plateaus


Sweet tooth may creep back in


50% stop using the drug after 1 year


70% come off within 2 years



Why?

➡️ Side effects

➡️ Mental health struggles

➡️ Frustration with slow progress

➡️ Realising that strength and energy are declining



❗️ It’s Not a Magic Solution — It’s a Medical Tool


These drugs can be helpful — but they need to be used with care, professional support, and a solid foundation of healthy habits.


If you're considering this journey, please know:


> 💚 This isn’t about shame or judgement — it’s about being informed.


🧱 Lifestyle Is Still the Foundation


Whether you’re on medication or not, long-term success and wellbeing always come back to:


✅ A high-protein, nutrient-dense diet

✅ Resistance training to maintain muscle 💪

✅ Movement, sleep, and stress support

✅ Education and accountability

✅ If using GLP-1s: the lowest effective dose, monitored carefully


💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Open


This is a huge topic, and we’re only just scratching the surface.

There are benefits, and there are serious risks.

It’s not clean-cut, and a lot is still unknown.


But like I said last week — GLP-1s aren’t going anywhere.

I want to be able to support women who are using them, considering them, or coming off them.


With no judgement. No shame. Just guidance, education, and support.


If you’ve got questions or want to share your story, my inbox is always open 💌




Andrea x

AG Fitness and Health


📣 Want to chat more about this?


Drop me a message, come to a class, or keep an eye out for future updates as I continue my training in this area.



Have you subscribed to my weekly newsletter?

Supporting 40+ women in their fitness and health journey.










 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page