GLP-1 Medications: What Women Deserve to Know Before Starting Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro
If you're a woman in your 40s or 50s and you're curious about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, you're not alone. These drugs have made headlines and been widely marketed as a game-changing solution for weight loss. But before you make a decision, you deserve full, unbiased information—not just hype, hope, or pressure.
As a dietitian who specialises in women’s health and intuitive eating, I believe informed consent means understanding the full picture: the benefits, risks, alternatives, and how this choice might impact not just your physical health, but your emotional wellbeing and relationship with food.
Let’s take a deeper look.
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Tirzepatide) were originally designed to manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. They work by slowing digestion, increasing satiety (feeling full), and regulating insulin.
The side effect? Many people lose weight.
That “side effect” has now been turned into a billion-dollar industry—fuelling a rush to prescribe these drugs specifically for weight loss, even to people without diabetes. The result: more demand, more media attention, and an amplified message that fatness is something to be fixed.
What the research shows (& what it doesn’t)
✔️ Potential Benefits
Many people lose a significant amount of weight (up to 15% of body weight in some trials)
Appetite often decreases, sometimes dramatically
Improvements in measures of blood glucose management, cholesterol, and blood pressure have been observed during clinical trials
But here's what’s also true:
⚠️ Known Risks and Gaps in Knowledge
Short-term research: Most studies last no longer than 1-2 years. We don’t yet have a fully informed picture of what happens after long-term (>2 years) use and research is in the early stages of understanding what happens when people stop taking the drug.
Side effects are common: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and fatigue are reported by up to 74% of users. More serious potential risks include thyroid cancer (black box warning), pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and even intestinal blockages.
Psychological impacts: Weight regain after stopping the drug is common and can cause distress. There’s also emerging concern about medication-triggered disordered eating or the loss of connection to hunger and fullness cues.
Equity issues: These medications are expensive and often not covered by insurance for weight loss so come with a substantial financial commitment if you plan to be on them long term.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting GLP-1 Medications
If you're considering GLP-1s, you're likely doing so for deeply personal reasons—maybe related to health, body image, or pressure you've felt for years to be thinner. These questions aren’t designed to layer judgement on you landing at the point of considering these meds - on the contrary I have a HUGE amount of compassion and understanding for how you got here. However, I would love for you to go in with your eyes wide open. No judgment, just guidance and support to make the right decision for you.
Before deciding, here are some questions to reflect on:
Am I making this decision from a place of self-care—or from social pressure to shrink my body?
How is my relationship with food? Will this medication improve it—or potentially disrupt it further?
Do I have a history of disordered eating that could be triggered by appetite suppression or rapid weight loss?
What would improve my health if weight weren’t part of the equation? Am I pursuing that too?
What support do I need right now—in the body I have today? Could that come from family, friends, healthcare professionals, or a therapist who respects me regardless of size?
These questions aren’t meant to shame—they're meant to empower you with clarity, compassion, and a sense of autonomy when moving forward with whatever decision you make.
Are There Alternatives?
Yes—and they matter. The idea that weight loss is the only path to health is outdated and harmful. Research shows that many health improvements (better blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, sleep, energy) can happen independently of weight loss, especially when we focus on sustainable behavior changes.
Alternatives include:
Gentle, joyful movement (walking, dancing, yoga, etc.)
Nourishing your body with enough food and a variety of nutrients
Addressing sleep, stress, and mental health with size-inclusive professionals
Challenging internalised weight stigma that makes us feel broken in the first place
Final Thoughts
You’re not “wrong” for being curious about these medications. You’re navigating a culture that pathologises bodies and profits off our insecurities. If you’re feeling torn, that’s okay. The path forward doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be informed and aligned with your values.
I work with women every day who are making complex health decisions. If you want support in sorting through your thoughts or strengthening your relationship with food and body, on or off these medications, I’m here.
You don’t have to choose between medical care and body trust. You can have both.
Curious, conflicted, or just want a non-judgmental space to figure this out? You’re not alone—and I’d love to support you.
References
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