Weight Loss Jabs and Perimenopause: What Do Midlife Women Really Need to Know?
If you’re in perimenopause, you’ve probably noticed weight loss jabs getting lots of attention online. Influencers are sharing how meds like Mounjaro or Ozempic have helped with that stubborn weight gain that seems to sneak up during this time and even cured their achy joints.
But how do these jabs actually work? Should you consider them? And what else do you need to know to stay safe and healthy? I want to unpack the science in a way that’s easy to follow and highlight why your food and lifestyle choices still have a huge role to play.
What’s Going On with Your Body in Perimenopause?
During perimenopause, your body’s hormones, especially oestrogen and progesterone, start to fluctuate and dip. This affects your metabolism and how well your body responds to insulin, which is the hormone that helps control blood sugar. When oestrogen drops, insulin sensitivity often decreases, making your blood sugar levels harder to control and promoting fat storage, especially around your tummy.
On top of that, these hormone shifts can mess with your appetite-regulating hormones, like GLP-1. That’s where weight loss jabs come in.
How Do Weight Loss Jabs Work?
Weight loss jabs like Ozempic and Wegovy belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone released by your gut when you eat. It helps:
Tell your brain you’re full,
Slow the emptying of your stomach so you feel satisfied longer,
And boost insulin to keep your blood sugar steady.
These medications mimic the natural GLP-1 but in higher amounts, which suppresses appetite and can lead to eating less and losing weight.
Mounjaro also activates a hormone called GIP, which helps your insulin work better and further controls blood sugar.
What Are the Risks?
These medications are powerful, but not without side effects. Because they slow down digestion and reduce appetite, you might experience:
Digestive issues like nausea, bloating, or constipation,
Hair thinning or hair loss (protein and nutrients get even more important here),
Loss of muscle mass and lower bone density, which can be serious for midlife women,
Feeling tired or dizzy if you’re not eating enough,
And changes in how your body absorbs hormone medications like the pill or HRT.
These effects tend to be strongest at the start or when the dose changes, so take your time. Staying on the lowest dose you need is the best way to minimise side effects.
Why Your Food and Lifestyle Matter More Than Ever
Even if medicine lowers your hunger, your body still needs good fuel:
Protein to preserve muscle and bones,
Fibre-rich vegetables and grains to support digestion and hormone balance,
Healthy fats for hormone building and absorption of vitamins,
Movement to maintain muscle and metabolism,
And sleep and stress management to keep all your hormones talking nicely.
When you don’t nurture yourself well, quick weight loss can lead to muscle loss, bone thinning, and low energy.
Tips for Thriving While Using Weight Loss Jabs
Aim for at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day from sources like eggs, fish, lean poultry, Greek yoghurt, tofu, and beans.
Load your plate with fibre: think vegetables, lentils, whole grains.
Include healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon or mackerel.
Drink plenty of water (aim for 2 litres a day) and watch your energy levels.
Move your body regularly with walks and strength training to prevent muscle loss.
The Take-Home Message
Weight loss jabs mimic important gut hormones that help control your appetite and blood sugar, hormones that often don’t work as well during perimenopause. These meds can provide real help, but they’re not a silver bullet. Your nutrition, movement, and self-care remain crucial for staying strong, healthy, and keeping the weight off in the long run.
Next week, I’ll share a post all about how you can naturally stimulate your own GLP-1 levels without medication using simple diet and lifestyle tweaks anyone can do.
If you have questions about using weight loss injections or want personalised support, feel free to reach out. You don’t have to figure this out alone.