Why Midlife Women Need More Nutrition Support on GLP-1 Medications
If you’re a woman over 40 taking a medication like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, you’ve likely been told that these medications help reduce appetite and lead to weight loss.
What often gets left out of the conversation is how these medications affect your muscles, bones, digestion, and overall nutrition.
At Erica Leon Nutrition, we work with women in midlife who are navigating these choices. We respect your healthcare decisions. We also believe you deserve to understand the whole picture, including the risks of eating less, especially after 40.
What Are GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro?
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are medications known as GLP-1s. They are medications that were originally developed for type 2 diabetes because they help manage blood sugar and reduce appetite.
Today, they’re also widely prescribed for weight loss, seemingly effortless weight loss and for people without diabetes. Many people view them as a magic pill to help them lose weight, fast and easy. This is why they have taken off in use in today’s world of diet culture.
These medications aid weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone that:
- Slows down digestion
- Reduces hunger
- Increases insulin response after meals
Because of how they work, it’s common to feel full faster and eat less. But this change in eating patterns brings new health risks, especially for women over 40.
Why Eating Less on GLP-1s Can Put Women Over 40 at Risk
When your appetite is reduced or you’re eating less because you feel full quickly, your body may not get enough of the essential nutrients it needs to function well.
This can lead to:
- Muscle loss, which slows metabolism and affects strength and balance
- Bone loss, which increases your risk of osteoporosis
- Low energy and fatigue, often from missing key nutrients like iron or B12
- Digestive issues like constipation, a common side effect of GLP-1 medications
How Muscle and Bone Loss Affect Women in Midlife
As women move through midlife, there’s a natural shift in muscle and bone mass. If you eat less without focusing on nourishment, that process can speed up.
This can lead to:
- Less muscle strength and mobility
- Higher risk of fractures from weaker bones
- Nutrient gaps that cause fatigue, hair thinning, digestive issues, and long-term health risks
That’s why it’s not just about eating less-it’s about eating enough of the right foods to protect your health.
Why It’s About More Than Just Weight Loss
Whether you’ve already started one of these medications, are considering them, or are feeling pressured by a provider to begin, it’s essential to look at the whole picture. This means paying attention to nutrition, emotional well-being, muscle health, and bone health, not just weight.
At Erica Leon Nutrition & Associates, we have a team of dietitians and nutritionists who work daily with women across the country. We support clients from New York to Connecticut to Wisconsin, and even Texas. Our focus is on helping you navigate life with nourishment, strength, and long-term wellness in mind, whether or not you have chosen to start GLP-1 medications.
This is precisely the kind of support we offer, without judgment, without pressure, and with a weight-inclusive approach, and by not buying into diet culture.
We are primarily eating disorder dietitians, and always want to ensure that you’re being screened for disordered eating behaviors, for which weight loss medication is contraindicated. (All intentional efforts at weight loss are inappropriate for someone with a current or past history of an eating disorder.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Health While Taking GLP-1 Medications
Use this knowledge to protect yourself and manage your nutrition, especially if you are taking GLP-1 drugs. Remember the following information:
- GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy change how your body processes food.
- Eating less without focusing on nutrition can lead to muscle loss, bone loss, and nutrient deficiencies.
- After 40, it’s even more important to protect your muscles, bones, and overall health with intentional nourishment.
Next Steps:
- Check your current meals.
Are you eating enough protein, fiber, calcium, and vitamin D each day? If not, consider adding small changes now.
2. Stay aware of muscle and bone health.
Remember, weight loss is not the only outcome. Prioritize strength, energy, and your own wellness, too.
3. Talk with your healthcare team.
If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication, ask your provider to monitor your labs for B12, iron, and bone health markers. If they are not talking about this, find someone who will. We work with many clients in conjunction with their doctors to offer the added support that they often do not have the time to offer patients.
4. Learn more about bone health.
This is critical for those over 40; you’ve got to take steps to protect your bone health as you age. For additional guidance, read How to Prevent Osteoporosis: The Role of Nutrition and Movement.
We’re Here to Help You Protect Your Health and Strength
Click here to book a call with me, Erica.
We’ll talk about where you are in your food and health journey and what risks you need to know about if you are taking GLP-1 medications. We’ll help you figure out the next proper steps and connect you with the dietitian on our team who can best support you on your journey.
You can also click here to learn tips on how to eat when you’re on Ozempic or Wegovy, even if you’re not feeling hungry. We’ll break down simple strategies for staying nourished, strong, and supported.
Not quite ready to work with a dietitian?
We have several free nutrition resources that can help you with your nutrition goals. Check them all out here.
Erica Leon is a Registered Dietitian and practices from a Health at Every Size (HAES®) lens. She and her team of eating disorder specialists and Anti-Diet Dietitians provide insurance-based care for eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting, or other health conditions in a safe and non-judgmental space for healing.
We work virtually with our clients from our offices in Westchester County in New York as well as the tri-state areas of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, along with Alabama, California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin. We are in-network with the following insurance companies: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Emblem Health and United Healthcare; including Oxford, UMR, and The Empire Plan (NYSHIP).
We take the time to learn where you or your family are in the pursuit of health. Respectful of your individual needs and lifestyle, Erica will provide an honest assessment of whether or not you are a good fit to work together. Click here to schedule a 15-minute Discovery Call with Erica to let us know about your needs, and to see which of our Dietitians is the best fit for you!
