GLP-1 medications, often popularized in media as simply a celebrity weight loss tactic, are so much more than that. For many, they offer relief from various symptoms and conditions, bringing very real benefits to women as they age. And now, you may have seen the recent news that a number of GLP-1s have now been made available in pill form versus an injectable—a gamechanger for many.
Celia M Egan, MD, MSCP, DABOM, Director of Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Health at true. Women's Health, shares more about how the medications work and what the evolution of an oral form of GLP-1 medications means.
At their root, GLP-1 medications work by mimicking natural digestive hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, Dr. Egan explained.
“Because these hormones are fragile, earlier treatments required weekly injections,” Dr. Egan said. “Recent technological advances now allow GLP-1s to be taken as a daily pill, expanding access for patients who prefer to avoid injections and making treatment easier to scale. Greater accessibility may allow more women to begin treatment earlier, which could reduce long term complications from obesity and type 2 diabetes as they age.”
The clinical uses for GLP-1 medications are rapidly expanding, meaning what makes someone a good candidate for use is also evolving.
“In addition to well established benefits for weight management and type 2 diabetes, emerging research shows improvements in conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and heart disease, with early evidence suggesting potential benefits for certain mental health conditions, including substance use disorders,” Dr. Egan explained. “One of the most exciting findings is the reduction in inflammation seen in patients taking these medications—both in how they feel, such as reporting less pain, and in measurable lab markers like decreased high sensitivity C reactive protein (CRP), a key indicator of systemic inflammation.”
Lipedema—which affects an estimated 11% of women and can progress during times of hormonal change such as menopause—is one such condition where GLP-1 medications can greatly help manage chronic inflammation.
“New oral medications are emerging, along with drugs that mimic additional hormones involved in the body’s response to nutrition,” Dr. Egan said. “With more options for how these medications are delivered and how they work, physicians hope to further reduce the burden of serious, life altering diseases. In some cases, these newer therapies may even be used in combination to optimize results for patients.”
The rapid evolution of GLP-1 therapies is cause for encouragement, as it means more options, more knowledge, and more relief.
“Physicians are also becoming better at minimizing side effects such as nausea or fatigue by adjusting dose schedules or using lower doses when needed,” Dr. Egan said. “Many patients are surprised to learn that even smaller doses can still provide meaningful health benefits. Working closely with a clinician to personalize dosing can make these medications more tolerable and sustainable over time.”
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Summer ’26 issue of West Michigan Woman.
