As a pharmacist, I’m always getting asked about semaglutide and menopause—specifically, “can I take Ozempic® for menopausal weight gain?”
The answer? A resounding yes!
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs with the active ingredient, semaglutide, are most commonly prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes, menopausal women may also benefit from these weight loss drugs.
Here’s how medications like semaglutide–the active ingredient found in Ozempic® and Wegovy®–can be an effective tool to combat menopausal weight gain, and why it’s so important to manage weight gain throughout menopause.
Does Semaglutide Work for Menopause Weight Gain?
Not only is semaglutide beneficial for women actively going through menopause, but it’s also a great option to support weight management before and after menopause as well.
Managing weight during and after menopause is crucial, as maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of multiple severe health issues associated with obesity.
Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome can all be combated with GLP-1 weight loss medications, like semaglutide.
Why You Gain Weight During Menopause
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and is characterized by a decline in estrogen levels. If you’ve gone through menopause, or if you’re going through it now, you’re aware of how these hormonal shifts can affect women’s bodies. Here are a few common changes women experience, related to weight and body composition:
Increased Abdominal Fat: As estrogen levels decrease, fat distribution tends to shift, with more fat stored around the abdomen rather than the hips and thighs.
One study found that, on average, post-menopausal women had a 15–20% increase in abdominal fat. Research shows that this increase in visceral fat (or “belly fat”) is associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Slower Metabolism: A decrease in estrogen results in a lower metabolic rate and an increase in appetite, leading to higher calorie intake and weight gain, says the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition Studies. It also notes that this is possible even if dietary and exercise habits remain unchanged.
Loss of Muscle Mass: Along with hormonal changes, aging also contributes to the loss of muscle mass, which further slows down metabolism and makes weight management more challenging.
Risks of Menopausal Weight Gain
Menopause not only affects weight, but it also increases the risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women.
Cardiovascular Risks
Increased Cholesterol Levels: Menopause is often accompanied by unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels. Studies show an increase in LDL cholesterol (considered “bad” cholesterol) by about 10–-15% and a decrease in HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) by approximately 10%. These changes contribute significantly to the increased risk of heart disease.
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Hypertension: The risk of high blood pressure also increases during menopause. Research shows significantly higher blood pressure in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women, which further elevates the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.
Increased Arterial Stiffness: Reduced estrogen levels can lead to changes in the elasticity of blood vessels. This increases the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and cardiovascular diseases.
Diabetic Risks
Insulin Resistance: Menopause can exacerbate insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin.
Research has found that insulin resistance increases by 10–15% during menopause, leading to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Obesity, particularly central or abdominal obesity, is a significant risk factor for the development of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin.
When cells become resistant to insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and, eventually, type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide and Menopause: How it Works
Semaglutide for Menopausal Weight Gain: Does it Work?
Studies have shown that semaglutide can significantly reduce body weight.
In a clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, participants who took semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared to 2.4% in the placebo group. The participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 85 years old, with an average age of 46 years.
Why it Works
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in weight loss drugs Ozempic® and Wegovy®, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which slows gastric emptying.
What does that mean?
Basically, semaglutide targets the area in the brain that regulates your appetite. By promoting a feeling of fullness and curbing your appetite, it helps to decrease food intake and aid in weight loss, when combined with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Deciding if Semaglutide for Menopause Weight Gain is Right for You
Regardless of the brand, semaglutide solutions like Ozempic® and Wegovy® have proven to be an effective tool for menopausal women experiencing weight gain.
Menopause and postmenopause bring about significant changes that can impact weight and overall health. Semaglutide offers a practical option for achievable weight loss, especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
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