From the desk of Dr. Meagan
Many of my patients and social media connections have asked what my thoughts are regarding Ozempic or semaglutide, and so I thought it was important to share them with you now.
When GLP-1 agonists first came on the market as the weight loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound, I was not a fan. Seeing celebrity bodies melt and morph rapidly triggered a too-good-to-be-true response in my mind. Rapid weight loss is not only not sustainable long term but also causes loss of lean tissue like muscle and bone. Though they looked thin on the outside, I knew that inside, their lean tissue was suffering, and once they came off of the medication, their weight would yo-yo.
Then, new studies began showing the positive effects on the brain, heart, and inflammatory responses in the body. Doctors began using these peptides at lower doses, mitigating the GI side effects and muscle loss.
A 2024 study in Menopause, The Journal of the Menopause Society, showed that using semaglutide along with hormone therapy resulted in 30% greater weight loss and improved cardiovascular health.
Many women on hormone therapy are still struggling with weight gain and visceral fat. The addition of a GLP-1 agonist in combination with physician-monitored nutrition and lifestyle changes can improve body composition by reducing body fat percentage and optimizing lean muscle.
Once again, I lean into the science to light the most effective path to better midlife women’s healthcare.
If you still have questions, just reply to this email. I will respond to every inquiry as best I can.
We’re in this together,
Dr Meagan
Answers worth knowing
Do these medications have horrible side effects?
The most common side effects, like nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, are mostly dose-dependent. If the medication’s dose is too high for the individual, they can suffer from these symptoms. You can prevent these side effects by adjusting doses to fit the patient.
Do they cause thyroid cancer?
There is a warning that GLP-1 agonists cause a certain type of thyroid cancer. It is true that if you have a family or personal history of thyroid cancer, you should not use these medications. However, there have not been human cases of thyroid cancer arising from GLP-1 agonist usage. The warning comes from thyroid cancer arising in animal studies.
Do they cause rapid weight loss? Muscle wasting? Ozempic face?
The rapid weight loss you see online or with celebrities is also dose-dependent. High doses can cause significant rapid weight loss and muscle loss, similar to other high-calorie restriction diets. By using the lowest effective dose and prioritizing protein—and fiber-centric diets, as well as adding resistance training, patients can prevent muscle loss while on these peptides.
Do I have to take it forever?
That depends. Patients with significant obesity and type 2 diabetes may need to be on these medications long-term. Others who are using them for weight loss while also incorporating nutritional and lifestyle changes may use the medications for shorter periods of time and then come off completely or cycle them.
