Rachel Morris
If you're struggling with midlife weight gain, you're not alone—and it's not your fault. Many factors can make weight management harder during this stage of life, including hormonal shifts, changes in metabolism, and how the body stores fat. That's why many women in midlife turn to GLP-1 medications to support their personal weight goals. For women who haven't been able to reach their weight goals through diet and exercise alone, GLP-1 medications are one option a healthcare professional, such as a Midi Health clinician, may recommend as part of a broader weight management plan. With the right Care Plan in place, you can tackle your weight management goals and feel your best.
Midlife weight gain can creep on slowly or seem to show up overnight. As a result, some women want to lose added pounds, whether to improve their health or simply feel more comfortable in their bodies. Whatever your goals around weight during midlife, Midi is here to help.
We know that midlife weight loss is hard, and that's why Midi’s clinicians recommend a broad range of solutions, ranging from targeted lifestyle changes to supplements and prescription medications—including weight loss medications. The simple reason we prescribe weight loss meds? They’re proven to help patients reach their personal weight goals.
Unfortunately, these prescriptions aren’t always covered by insurance, putting the treatment out of reach for many. At Midi, we strongly believe women should have access to treatments that can help address midlife symptoms, including weight gain. That’s why our weight programs incorporate medications that may include compounded GLP-1s, if your clinician determines they’re right for you.
Midi’s GLP-1 prescriptions can be an accessible option, and when paired with care from our expert clinicians, they can be a game-changer. Because so often, it’s not you, your workouts, your diet, or your willpower that’s to blame for midlife weight gain—it’s your hormones.
Wondering if GLP-1 prescriptions could be right for you? Read on for answers to top questions. (And book a Midi visit to talk with a clinician about the best treatments to help you feel more like yourself.)
What Are GLP-1s?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) are a class of medications originally developed for managing type-2 diabetes that have been shown to be highly effective for long-term weight management. You may have heard of medications in this class, including injectable and oral options, one of which also targets a second hormone called GIP.
GLP-1s come in two main forms: injectables and oral pills. Injectables are the most established option and are usually self-administered weekly in the belly, outer thighs, buttocks, or the back of the arms. For those who don't prefer injections, oral options are now available and are typically taken daily as a pill. A healthcare professional, such as a Midi clinician, can help you figure out which form is the right fit for you, if eligible.
How Can GLP-1s Help With Weight Loss?
GLP-1s support weight management by mimicking a hormone naturally produced in the body that regulates appetite. They also help quiet food noise—the constant, intrusive thoughts about food that can make it harder to tune into hunger and fullness cues. This effect has been shown to help people eat less and steadily lose pounds. Additionally, GLP-1s slow down the digestion process after meals, which can help people feel fuller, longer.
Many factors can contribute to weight challenges during midlife — including hormonal shifts that can affect appetite and energy, which is why the standard “eat less, move more” weight-loss advice often doesn’t cut it during this chapter. On top of that, other menopause symptoms, like poor sleep and mood changes, can mess with appetite hormones and may contribute to increased calorie intake. For women navigating these changes, appetite regulation support can be particularly valuable as part of a broader weight management plan.
But remember: GLP-1s work best when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise. To help you reach your goals, a healthcare professional, such as a Midi clinician, will support you with advice on the lifestyle changes that are best for you (how to include strength training in your workout routine or work more protein into your meals, for example).
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Are Compounded GLP-1s Safe?
Compounded GLP-1s are generally considered safe for most people when used as prescribed. However, like any medication, they may not be suitable for everyone. A healthcare professional, such as a Midi clinician, will review your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have before prescribing a GLP-1 medication.
Common side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, belching and gas, feeling bloated, constipation, and heartburn. While rare, vomiting may occur. These side effects often improve with adjusted dosing and over time. Midi clinicians are here to partner with you to help you feel your best throughout your weight-loss journey.
Do I Need to Stay on a GLP-1 Permanently to Maintain Weight Loss?
Research shows that results after stopping GLP-1 medications vary—some people can maintain their weight loss, while others benefit from ongoing treatment, often at a lower or intermittent dose.
Once you reach your goal weight, a healthcare professional, such as a Midi clinician, will partner with you to figure out the best maintenance plan. This may or may not include tapering off a GLP-1.
What Else to Know About Midi's GLP-1s
GLP-1s aren’t “quick fix” solutions—and at Midi, we strongly believe in safe, sustainable weight loss. Remember that patience pays off in real ways for your long term health, because even modest weight loss can decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and many more challenges. It’s not about rapid results, but about ensuring you live healthier, stronger, and longer.
Book a Midi visit to learn more and find out if a GLP-1 is right for you.
Key Takeaways
- Midlife weight gain is often hormonal, not a matter of willpower. Reduced estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can affect appetite regulation and metabolism, making weight management harder than it used to be.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of prescription medications proven to support significant weight loss.
- GLP-1 medications work best as part of a broader health plan; pair them with strength training, quality sleep, and protein-forward nutrition for sustainable, long-term results.
If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and want guidance from clinicians who specialize in women’s midlife health, book a virtual visit with Midi today.
Hormonal change is at the root of dozens of symptoms women experience in the years before and after their period stops.
Our trained menopause specialists can help you connect the dots to guide you towards safe, effective solutions.
Whether you need personalized guidance or a prescription routine to tackle symptoms—including brain fog, hot flashes, sleep trouble, mood swings, and weight gain—we’ve got you covered. Learn more here.
Image stylized for marketing purposes. Licensed healthcare providers may prescribe compounded drugs at their professional discretion. If prescribed, compounded or branded GLP-1 fees are separate. Compounded medications are not approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality by the FDA. Individual results vary and are impacted by diet and exercise. Do not use if you, or a family member, have a history of thyroid cancer or tumors. See joinmidi.com for additional details.
Compounded GLP-1s are not approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality by the FDA. Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Ozempic ® (semaglutide) are not compounded. Wegovy® (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for weight loss. Ozempic® (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but may be prescribed off-label for weight loss at a healthcare provider's discretion. A healthcare provider may prescribe a compounded drug if he/she determines that it is medically appropriate and necessary. GLP-1 results are contingent upon a reduced calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. Cessation of GLP-1 has been found to result in weight gain.
Midi’s mission is to revolutionize healthcare for women at midlife, wherever they live and whatever their health story. We believe that starts with education, to help all of us understand our always-changing bodies and health needs. Our core values guide everything we do, including standards that ensure the quality and trustworthiness of our content and editorial processes. We’re committed to providing information that is up-to-date, accurate, and relies on evidence-based research and peer-reviewed journals. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
