Weight loss drugs are nothing new — but the latest class, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, have exploded in popularity. You’ve probably heard about them in the news, seen celebrities admit to using them, or watched dramatic transformations online.
But what’s less visible is the bigger picture — especially for women over 40. These drugs can deliver quick results on the scale, but how they work, what they actually take off your body, and what happens when you stop are all critical questions to ask before jumping in.
In this article, we’ll look at the real pros and cons of GLP-1s, the difference between fat loss and weight loss, and my personal stance on whether they have a place in your midlife health journey.
The Negatives You Need to Know First
When it comes to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, the glossy before-and-after pictures don’t tell the whole story.
1. Most people regain the weight
Studies show that when people come off these drugs, they regain two-thirds of the weight they lost — sometimes in less than a year. That’s because the drug curbs your appetite while you’re taking it, but unless you’ve built long-term eating and exercise habits, the old patterns return the moment you stop.
2. You’re not just losing fat
GLP-1 drugs trigger weight loss, but that weight isn’t all fat — a significant portion is your muscle mass. And if you’re over 40, that’s a huge red flag. Muscle is the very thing that keeps your metabolism healthy and your body strong as you age.
3. Muscle loss is risky at our age
Women naturally lose about 1% of their muscle mass per year after 40. Accelerating that loss with rapid weight loss can lead to a slower metabolism, decreased strength, and more difficulty keeping the weight off long-term.
Fat Loss vs. Weight Loss — Why It Matters
It’s important to understand the difference:
- Weight loss is simply seeing the number on the scale go down. It could be water, fat, or muscle.
- Fat loss is losing body fat while preserving (or building) muscle — the key to a toned, healthy, and strong body.
GLP-1 drugs may help with weight loss, but without a proper strength training and nutrition plan, much of that loss could come from muscle. That means your metabolism takes a hit, making it even harder to maintain results.
📺 I explain this in under 60 seconds in my YouTube Short — watch it here: Fat Loss vs. Weight Loss ➜
The Positives — In the Right Circumstances
I’m not anti-GLP-1s. In fact, I believe they can be a useful short-term tool for the right person — particularly if you have:
- Type 2 Diabetes and need to improve your blood sugar control.
- Severe obesity and significant health risks.
In these cases, a medically supervised GLP-1 prescription can be a lifesaver and a way to jump-start progress.
But — and this is a big but — these drugs must be paired with:
✅ Strength training (to protect and build muscle)
✅ Balanced nutrition (so your body gets the fuel it needs)
✅ Mindset and lifestyle changes (so you don’t fall back into old habits)
When used as a temporary boost alongside a structured program like the Strong Woman Club, these drugs can help someone make real, lasting changes — not just drop pounds temporarily.
My Stance on GLP-1s
Think of GLP-1s as “the elephant in the room.” Like Intermittent fasting or any extreme diet, I’m not against them — but I don’t believe they’re a long-term solution.
If you’re going to use them, you need to:
- Understand they’re a tool, not a cure.
- Have a plan for what happens after you stop taking them.
- Work on the fundamentals — nutrition, exercise, and mindset — while you’re on the drug.
Otherwise, you’re just renting results.
Final Thoughts
If you have 10–40 pounds to lose and no major health issues? Skip the injections. You’ll be better off focusing on building muscle, improving your nutrition, and developing habits that last.
If you have serious health concerns due to obesity or diabetes? Talk to your doctor about whether a GLP-1 drug could be part of a bigger, long-term plan — not the whole plan.
Remember: Fat loss and weight loss are not the same thing. True transformation means holding onto your muscle while losing the fat. That’s what will keep you strong, lean, and healthy for decades to come.
📺 Want the full breakdown? Watch my in-depth video here >>