How GLP-1 medications can help manage menopause weight gain

What you’ll learn:       

• GLP-1 medications can help reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar, which may aid in weight loss during menopause.   
• GLP-1 medications also show the potential to help ease hot flashes and improve sleep, but they aren’t prescribed for those purposes.
• Noom helps you take control of your menopause journey by providing comprehensive support in weight management, nutrition, and lifestyle improvements.

Menopause* is marked by the end of menstrual cycles as the ovaries stop releasing eggs. A person is officially in menopause after 12 months without a period, but hormonal shifts leading up to and following that can bring about noticeable changes in your body. Weight gain is quite common during this time, with many gaining an average of five pounds, though some may experience more or less. 

A healthy, nutrient-dense diet, exercise, stress reduction, and getting enough sleep can help you maintain a healthy weight—but it might not be enough. When lifestyle changes aren’t giving you the results you want, GLP-1 medications could be worth a try.

GLP-1 medications—like Wegovy^® and Zepbound^®—while not explicitly prescribed for menopause, can be a big help for those trying to lose weight during it. How? Losing weight can help you feel better, improve your health, and might indirectly ease some menopause issues. Let’s explore what these medications do and how they can help people going through the stages of menopause.

*People can also experience sudden menopause due to surgeries that remove the ovaries or treatments that damage them.

The phases of menopause and what to expect

Menopause doesn’t happen overnight; it typically progresses over several years. The menopausal transition usually lasts about seven years but could be as long as 14 years. While the whole experience is often called “menopause,” the transition consists of three distinct phases: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Here’s a look at what happens during each phase:

• Perimenopause: This phase typically begins in your late 40s or early 50s and leads up to menopause. It occurs as your ovaries gradually decrease estrogen production, leading to irregular periods and symptoms like hot flashes. These hormonal shifts can also contribute to weight gain.
• Menopause: A person reaches menopause when periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months, indicating the ovaries have largely ceased estrogen production. This happens on average at age 51 in the U.S.
• Postmenopause: This is the period after menopause when hormone levels stabilize at a lower level.

During the transition, 60-70% of women gain weight, usually between two to five pounds, although some gain much more. Weight gain can happen for a few reasons:

• Hormone changes: Lower estrogen levels can lead to more belly fat storage.
• Higher stress: Reduced estrogen raises cortisol, causing cravings and more fat storage around the midsection.
• Poor sleep: Night sweats, hot flashes, and fluctuating hormones can disturb sleep and lead to weight gain.
• Altered appetite: Disrupted hunger hormones from stress, lack of sleep, and lowered estrogen can increase your appetite.

Though these changes are common, they can be managed with a healthy diet, exercise habits, lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and sometimes medication, like GLP-1s. 

What are GLP-1 medications and who can take them?

GLP-1 medications are widely used for managing diabetes and aiding weight loss. They mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite and satiety. They can lead to weight loss by:

• Suppressing your appetite: GLP-1s communicate with your stomach and brain to regulate your appetite.
• Slowing digestion: Food will pass slower through your digestive system, keeping you feeling full longer. 
• Regulating blood sugar: GLP-1s help regulate blood sugar and insulin, which is why they’ve been so effective for diabetes treatment.

GLP-1 medication can be prescribed for weight management in adults with BMIs of 30 or over or with BMIs of 27 or over with at least one weight-related condition (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, etc.). 

How can GLP-1 treatments help manage menopausal weight gain?

You might be wondering, “How does this tie into what I’m experiencing?” 

Again, GLP-1 treatments are not prescribed specifically for menopause, but they can indirectly alleviate some symptoms associated with menopause by helping you lose weight. Whether GLP-1s directly reduce hot flashes or improve sleep quality is still under investigation. Early findings are promising, but more studies are needed to confirm the extent of these effects. 

Here’s what we know so far:

They can help you lose weight

Many women find weight gain a challenge during menopause. Hormonal fluctuations also cause fat to accumulate in the stomach area and make it harder to maintain muscle mass. The combination of these factors can make it more difficult to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. 

Studies have shown that semaglutide—the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy—helped reduce body weight by about 15% over 68 weeks. With tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, people lost an average of 15% to 21% of their body weight over 72 weeks. People who combine healthy lifestyle changes like diet and exercise with GLP-1 medications will see the best results. 

They might help manage insulin resistance

When estrogen levels drop during and after menopause, insulin resistance can increase, which makes women more prone to diabetes and other metabolic issues. A study shows that postmenopausal women are more likely to experience insulin resistance compared to premenopausal women, as reduced estrogen lowers the body’s ability to regulate the hormone effectively.

GLP-1 treatments help by improving insulin sensitivity, making it easier for your body to regulate glucose.

Common GLP-1 medications

Unsure of what GLP-1 to look into? Here’s a look at the most common GLP-1 treatments available in the U.S.:

Medications containing semaglutide 

• Ozempic^®, probably the most well-known semaglutide medication, is administered as a once-weekly injection. It is FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes and can be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
• Wegovy^® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease. It is administered as a once-weekly injection.
• Rybelsus^® is taken orally once daily. It is FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes and can be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
• Compounded semaglutide** through Noom GLP-1^Rx is an alternative to branded semaglutide medications like Ozempic^® and Wegovy^®, which are facing supply shortages. It can also be a more affordable option, starting at $149 per month with no insurance required.

Medications containing tirzepatide 

• Zepbound^® is administered as a once-weekly injection. It is FDA-approved for weight management.
• Mounjaro^® is administered as a once-weekly injection. It is FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes and can be prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Aside from semaglutide and tirzepatide, other notable GLP-1 agonists are dulaglutide, liraglutide, and exenatide. 

If you’re thinking about adding a GLP-1 medication to your plan, see if you qualify for Noom Med. We’ll pair you with a qualified clinician who can answer any questions about GLP-1 medications and prescribe them if appropriate for your situation.  See if you are eligible today.

**Compounded semaglutide available on the Noom platform is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.

Will I experience any side effects from GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 receptor agonists can cause side effects as your body adjusts. Always discuss your treatment goals with your clinician, especially if you’re using a GLP-1 to manage menopause-related weight changes. 

Here are the most common side effects:

• Nausea: This is the most frequently reported side effect, affecting up to half of the people who use GLP-1s.
• Vomiting: Some may experience this, particularly when first starting treatment.
• Diarrhea: Loose stools can occur as your digestive system adapts.
• Constipation: Slower digestion may lead to constipation for some people.
• Headache: Mild headaches are common, especially in the early stages of treatment.
• Injection site reactions: Redness or swelling at the injection site may occur.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired can result from dehydration and lowered food intake.

Your doctor will start with a low dose and gradually increase it to minimize side effects. While you don’t need to avoid specific foods entirely, being mindful of your diet can help. Noom’s GLP-1 Companion can help you make better food choices that might reduce side effects.

What are the potential serious side effects or warnings associated with GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications are generally safe and well-tolerated, but in rare instances, they can cause serious issues. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

• Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent stomach pain that may spread to your back could be a sign of pancreatitis. This may happen with or without vomiting and nausea.
• Kidney problems: Kidney issues are a potential side effect of GLP-1 medications if you become dehydrated due to other side effects. Symptoms include leg swelling, fatigue, and changes in urination. GLP-1 medications might make you less thirsty, so it’s important to track your water intake with Noom to be sure you’re drinking enough.
• Gallbladder issues: Signs of gallbladder problems include upper stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and clay-colored stools.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): If you are taking a GLP-1 medication with other diabetes medications, you may experience low blood sugar. Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, confusion, and rapid heartbeat.
• Allergic reactions: Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or rapid heartbeat. Any allergic reaction requires immediate medical attention.
• Vision changes: Blurry vision could be a sign of serious eye problems. Tell your doctor about any changes in your vision while taking a GLP-1 medication, and get immediate medical attention for sudden vision issues.
• Increased heart rate: Consult your doctor if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest. 
• Thyroid tumors: GLP-1s carry warnings about the potential risk of developing thyroid tumors. Look for signs like a lump in your neck, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. This connection has only been established in animal studies.

Always consult your clinician about any concerning side effects and concerns you may have while taking GLP-1 medications.

Can I combine hormone replacement therapy and GLP-1 medications?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) restores estrogen and/or progesterone levels, which can help ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings. Because of this, you may wonder about combining HRT with GLP-1 medications.

Yes, it’s possible to use both HRT and GLP-1 medications simultaneously, but this decision should always be made in consultation with your clinician. Here’s why:

• Individual health needs: Your personal medical history, current health status, and specific symptoms will influence whether this combination is appropriate for you.
• Potential interactions: While there are no known direct contraindications between HRT and GLP-1 medications, your doctor needs to monitor any effects closely.
• Dosage adjustments: Using both therapies might require adjustments to dosage to optimize their effectiveness and minimize side effects.
• Monitoring: More frequent check-ups may be necessary to ensure both treatments are working well together and not causing any issues.
• Symptom management: Both therapies can affect weight, mood, and energy levels. Your healthcare team will want to track how these factors change when using both treatments.

What else should I be aware of when taking GLP-1 medications during menopause?

Aside from weight gain, hot flashes, and disturbed sleep, the hormonal shifts that menopause brings can lead to other health-related issues, such as bone and muscle loss. GLP-1 medications may contribute to this muscle loss due to the rapid weight loss people can experience. This dual effect means that maintaining muscle mass is a key concern for menopausal women using GLP-1 medications.

At Noom, we understand these challenges and have developed an innovative in-app body scanner to track your body composition. Noom’s body scanner helps you track not just weight but also your body fat percentage and muscle mass. You’ll take a new body scan every two weeks, getting a clearer picture of your progress. It will also provide insights on how to adjust your routine to protect muscle as you lose fat. 

The GLP-1 Companion also provides personalized guidance for those on GLP-1 medications. It helps you navigate potential side effects and optimize your diet to preserve muscle. Here are the key features:

• Protein Power: You’ll get guidance on how to boost protein, which will help you maintain muscle mass while losing weight.
• Muscle Defense™: This program has strength training exercises for all levels to preserve and build muscle.

By addressing both the effects of menopause and the potential side effects of GLP-1 medications, Noom’s holistic approach helps you maintain your health and achieve your weight loss goals safely and effectively.

What other resources does Noom have for people going through menopause?

Noom’s Healthy Aging and Metabolism Course is an add-on option with features designed specifically for people experiencing menopause. It includes lessons on the following:

• Healthy aging and lifestyle tips: You’ll learn about how aging affects metabolism and weight. You’ll get practical nutrition and exercise tips to feel your best.
• Navigating menopause and your metabolism: This course covers the stages of menopause and its potential effects on weight and health. It also provides strategies for managing symptoms and discusses evidence-based treatment options, like hormone replacement therapy.
• Losing weight with health conditions: It also discusses the challenges of losing weight with health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and thyroid issues.

The Healthy Aging and Metabolism Course isn’t just about managing menopause—it’s about thriving during this new chapter of your life and setting you up for long-term wellness. 

Taking the next step: Incorporating a GLP-1 into your menopause plan

GLP-1 treatments offer promising benefits for managing weight during menopause for people who meet certain criteria. By regulating appetite, boosting metabolism, and stabilizing blood sugar, GLP-1s could play a key role in easing some challenges of menopause. But how can you find a medication that’s the right fit for you?

If you qualify, Noom Med can connect you with a clinician who will determine if Ozempic^® or another GLP-1 medication is right for you. They can prescribe medication, if needed, and help coordinate benefits. They’ll also be there to offer personalized support to help you achieve your health and weight management goals. Our mission is to empower you to build lasting habits that lead to better health and well-being.

Curious about how GLP-1 and Noom Med can work together for you? Start with a quick questionnaire to explore how we can support your menopause journey and help you manage your health more effectively.Note: Ozempic^® is not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.