For women over 40, losing weight typically becomes a frustrating and almost an uphill battle.

Many factors, such as hormonal shifts, a slower metabolism, and lifestyle changes, contribute to weight gain. These can be quite difficult to manage with traditional diet and exercise alone.

However, the introduction of GLP-1 agonists or GLP-1 analogs – a new and widespread class of medications – is giving many women more hope, and weight loss with semaglutide is now all the rage.

Why?

Because these drugs can help women achieve weight loss, they can maintain for longer instead of the usual results they’re accustomed to experiencing, even for those who have struggled with it in midlife.

The Science Behind GLP-1 and Its Role in the Body

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced naturally in the intestines. Its critical functions are sustaining healthy blood sugar levels and controlling appetite.

After eating, GLP-1 is secreted by intestinal L-cells, triggering multiple processes:

  1. It makes the pancreas release more insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
  2. It cuts down on the production of glucagon, a hormone that commonly raises blood sugar.
  3. It slows down the digestive process by delaying gastric emptying.
  4. It gives a sense of fullness, reduces appetite, and helps control food intake.

Medications classified as GLP-1 analogs, including semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic®️ and Wegovy®️), imitate how this hormone acts.

These drugs sharpen the effects of GLP-1, making them powerful tools for managing diabetes and weight.

So, GLP-1 analogs encourage weight loss through a mix of different mechanisms.

  • Because they suppress appetite, these medications reduce food intake, leaving people feeling full for longer periods. They also keep overeating and food portions in check, which translates to weight loss.
  • Another factor is that GLP-1 analogs can heighten insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial for those who struggle with insulin resistance.
  • This improved sensitivity helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces cravings for unhealthy, high-sugar foods contributing to weight gain.

What’s in it for Women Over 40

For women in their 40s and above, weight loss brings forth specific challenges that may have been less noticeable earlier.

Hormonal fluctuations throughout perimenopause and menopause, along with metabolic changes, make losing weight even more complicated.

Women in this age group also generally experience a natural drop in their basal metabolic rate, so they burn fewer calories at rest than they did in their younger years.

Insulin resistance keeps increasing with age. It gets more difficult as a result of losing weight.

GLP-1 analogs can extend multiple advantages for women facing these challenges:

  1. Fighting a sluggish metabolism: because these drugs help decrease appetite and extend the feeling of fullness, it gets easier to be in a calorie deficit, which is considered necessary for weight loss.
  2. Improving insulin resistance: GLP-1 analogs’ ability to improve insulin sensitivity is useful for women who are experiencing insulin resistance. It aids in better blood sugar management and helps prevent further weight gain.
  3. Targeting visceral fat: Visceral fat accumulates around the organs and increases after menopause, which can be harmful. Some studies suggest that GLP-1 analogs may help reduce this specific type of fat. This is important for improving general health and reducing risks of metabolic diseases.
  4. Reducing the effects of hormonal changes: these medications don’t directly influence hormones like estrogen. However, their ability to manage appetite and improve metabolic function can help compensate for some weight gain that chaperones menopause.

Exploring GLP-1 Agonist Options for Weight Loss

Women considering GLP-1 analogs have many medications to choose from. These drugs are similar in how they work but are available in different forms and dosages. Their approval status for weight loss also varies.

We’ll begin with the most talked-about drug and look at some of the most well-known GLP-1 analogs and how they might fit into a weight loss plan.

1. Ozempic

The main ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, mostly given to people with Type 2 diabetes. It is given as a once-weekly injection and is known to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with diabetes and heart disease.

Although Ozempic for weight loss is not explicitly approved, many users notice weight reduction as an unintended outcome or side effect.

Depending on the dose and the person taking it, this medicine may help them lose 8 to 10 pounds on average.

2. Rybelsus

Rybelsus is an oral alternative for those who would instead not use injections. It is also based on semaglutide but comes in pill form and is taken once daily.

This medicine is not currently approved for weight loss, but ongoing studies are exploring higher doses of oral semaglutide for future approval in this area.

Rybelsus gives the same GLP-1 effects on appetite and blood sugar control, though its heart-related benefits are still under review.

3. Wegovy

Wegovy is yet another semaglutide-based drug. It’s specifically approved for weight loss in both adults and adolescents.

Unlike Ozempic, it is not prescribed for diabetes management. Instead, it is meant to help with weight loss in people with a body mass index (BMI) reading of 30 or higher or in people with a BMI of 27 who also have a weight-related health condition.

Wegovy has shown some remarkable results, with clinical trials showing an average weight loss of nearly 15% of initial body weight.

4. Mounjaro

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a new medication class that targets GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). It’s a powerful option for blood sugar control and weight loss.

Studies have shown that Mounjaro outperforms Ozempic, reducing hemoglobin A1C levels and enabling weight loss.

5. Trulicity

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is another once-weekly injection that helps manage Type 2 diabetes in adults and children over the age of 10.

It provides cardiovascular protection similar to that of Ozempic and may provide some kidney benefits.

Though it’s not approved for weight loss, some users do notice a modest reduction in weight when taking higher doses.

6. Victoza

Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injection for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to help reduce cardiovascular risks.

While it is not intended for weight loss, some users report losing weight while being on it.

For those who need a stronger focus on weight management, a higher-dose version called Saxenda is available.

7. Saxenda

Saxenda, a higher-dose version of liraglutide, is designed for weight loss in adults and adolescents who meet specific BMI criteria. It must be injected daily.

Trials have shown varying but clinically meaningful weight loss results with this medicine. It has the most optimal results combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

8. Byetta

Byetta (exenatide) was the first GLP-1 agonist approved by the FDA. It needs twice-daily injections before meals, so it’s less convenient than other options.

However, it can help control blood sugar spikes after eating, and weight loss is a possible side effect for some users.

9. Bydureon BCise

Bydureon BCise is a longer-acting version of Byetta and must only be injected once a week.

While it doesn’t give the same heart-related benefits as other GLP-1 analogs, it still helps with blood sugar control.

Weight loss with Bydureon is usually less substantial when compared to other medications in this class.

Combining GLP-1 Analogs with a Holistic Health Approach

GLP-1 analogs give desirable benefits for women over 40 struggling with weight loss, but they’re not a quick fix without needing outside support in the majority of them.

That means they work best when used as part of a broader approach to health.

These medications should be complemented by:

  • a good and balanced diet
  • regular physical activity
  • stress management
  • good sleep habits

That’s the way to achieve the favorable outcomes.

People taking these medicines need to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine whether they are suitable for them. Discussing any potential risks based on personal and/or general factors is critical.

Some side effects are noted in some users when they just start taking the medicine, like dizziness, increased heart rate, headaches, indigestion and infections, and, more generally, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

Some very severe but rare ones include the worsening of diabetes-related retinopathy, acute kidney injury, pancreatitis, and medullary thyroid cancer. GLP-1 analogs should not be taken during pregnancy.

Gaya Wellness to Support Women’s Health

Gaya Wellness can provide a thorough virtual healthcare solution for women who want to improve their health and manage their weight better.

Our services aim at holistic and personalized care that addresses all aspects of women’s health, such as weight management, hormonal imbalances, emotional well-being, and maternity care.

With the convenience of telehealth consultations, lab orders, and prescriptions from the comfort of home, Gaya Wellness makes it simpler for women to put their health on top at every stage of life.

If you’re interested in learning more about GLP-1 analogs, weight management, or any of our other services, contact Gaya Wellness today. We are here to support your efforts to be a healthier version of yourself.