From Ozempic and Wegovy to Zepbound and the next wave of medications on the horizon, the conversation around weight loss medications has never been louder. For many women, it can feel confusing, emotional, and overwhelming.
As an internal medicine and obesity medicine physician and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, I want women to know one important fact: weight gain in midlife is not a matter of willpower.
Many women feel frustrated when their usual routines stop working as their bodies change. They may experience weight gain, increased cravings, or changes in blood sugar and cholesterol. Often, this is happening during perimenopause or menopause, when real hormonal and metabolic changes are taking place. That is why the conversation has to start with understanding what is happening in the body.
GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, can be powerful tools for some patients. These medications affect appetite, fullness, food noise, blood sugar regulation, and the way the brain and body communicate about energy balance. But they are not the only option, nor the whole plan.
There are many options in obesity medicine. The right treatment depends on a woman’s goals, health history, lab results, symptoms, medication access, and the kind of support she needs.
For some women, the goal may be weight loss. For others, it may be improving blood sugar, lowering cardiometabolic risk, reducing cravings, or simply feeling more like herself again. Often, it is a combination of all of these.
One question I ask patients is, “What are we really treating?”
That matters because not every woman responds the same way. While GLP-1 medications produce significant weight loss for some, others experience modest results, side effects, or barriers to coverage and access. Some may benefit from oral obesity medications, hormone therapy, nutrition support, strength training, or other treatment strategies.
Lifestyle changes still matter. Exercise, nourishing food, sleep, stress management, and ongoing support remain the backbone of care, whether or not medication is part of the plan. These medications are not a replacement for caring for your body. They are one possible tool within a personalized treatment plan.
If you are curious about GLP-1s or other weight-loss medications, I encourage you to ask questions rather than chase the loudest trend or newest headline. Ask your healthcare provider about your phase of ovarian function and what your labs reveal about your metabolic health. Ask about your medication options, whether menopause hormone therapy may play a role in your care, and what kind of follow-up and support you can expect along the way.
The future of obesity medicine is changing quickly, and women deserve care that helps them navigate it with clarity, compassion, and confidence. My hope is that women feel informed, supported, and empowered to understand what is happening in their bodies and choose the next step that is right for them.
For more information, visit truewomenshealth.com.
Written by Celia Egan, MD, MSCP, DABOM.
Courtesy of true. Women’s Health.
Image Courtesy of true. Women’s Health.