Should You Use Semiglutides?
Today I had a conversation with my hormone doctor that I vowed to never have. I went in for my regular hormone checkup, but I had other things on my mind. Over the past year I've been frustrated in watching my weight increase even though I'm doing all of the right things. I've always prided myself in using more lifestyle medicine to address issues related to perimenopause, such as nutritional adjustments, exercise, and even mindset work. But all my efforts seem to be in vain. In addition, I've been monitoring my HRV and stress levels, and they are not good. This week brought some changes to my wellness routine, including a focus on protein and colorful vegetables in my diet, more resistance training and also a daily walk, and cutting out some of the alcohol. While I know that improving my HRV will help both my energy levels and also weight concerns, I couldn't helps wondering if I could do more.
Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've no doubt seen the new about the newest weight lost medicine - semiglutides (Wegovy, Ozempic). These medications were developed for those with Type 2 diabetes, but are quickly becoming more mainstream. The medicine works by mimicking hormones In the body to help produce more insulin and also help to control appetite. A lot of women who have used the medication are having amazing results in fat loss, but there are downsides too.
While semiglutides may seem like a new magic pill for weight loss, there are some definite downsides to taking the medication. Since it can reduce appetite, some women do not get enough nutrients in their diet because they simply forget to eat. My doctor explained that they've stopped prescribing semiglutide medication for the time being until they can get better nutritional support for their patients. If we're not implementing good nutrition and lifestyle habits while on the drug, we're going to experience both muscle and bone loss in addition to the fat loss, which as women is something we really don't want to happen. One of the keys to using semiglutides properly is to implement a wellness routine that includes resistance training and adequate nutrient intake (calories, macro- and micronutrients) to ensure that you are nourishing your body during your treatment and won't have other medical concerns creep up.
So where does this leave me?
My doctor agreed that it was something that warranted exploration on my part given my age, my health history, and the fact that my current efforts aren't producing the results I would like. I'm a pretty body positive person, and my interest in these medication really isn't due to the number on the scale, but rather the future health concerns that could arise if I don't get rid of some of this viceral fat. My family has a history of dementia and cardiac concerns, both which are affected by increased levels of visceral fat. I know that semiglutides could help give me the jump start to get my body in a better place medically to continue the preventative measure through lifestyle habits that I'm already doing.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, but it's nice to have confirmation from my doctor that I'm not moving down to desperate and unwarranted train of thought with my concerns. I'll probably talk to some doctors locally to see if I can find a good fit - someone who will understand my desire to use this medication in the short term and then eventually wean off and continue on my own without that support.
If I do decide to go that route, I'll share my experience to help anyone else who is navigating these questions and the pure hell that perimenopausal weight gain and loss can be.
Are you on this struggle bus too? What questions to you have around hormone balance and health weight habits that I can help you with? Or, what habits are you incorporating right now that are helpful to you and you'd like to share with the community?