GLP-1 weight loss injections such as Ozempic and Wegovy have quickly become one of the most talked-about tools for fat loss in the UK. And for the majority of people, they work.

For many women over 40 (especially those experiencing hormonal changes, slower metabolism, and have spent years dieting) they can feel like the first real solution after a seemingly never-ending uphill battle.

But alongside the weight loss results, there’s a question that matters far more:

Will this actually work long term?

To answer this, we need to take a deeper dive.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) itself is a natural hormone released in the gut after eating.

It helps to:

Regulate blood sugar
Slow digestion
Signal fullness

GLP-1 medications mimic this natural process in a stronger, longer-lasting way, which leads to an (often significantly) reduced appetite and fewer cravings.

Why They Feel Like a Game-Changer

If you’ve spent years:

Thinking about food constantly
Starting over every Monday
Relying on willpower (and beating yourself up when it “fails)

Then the reduction in “food noise” can feel like a switch has finally been turned off.

And for many women in perimenopause and beyond, that alone can feel life changing.

The Downsides (and Side Effects)

Alongside the weight loss, there are some important considerations:

Digestive side effects (nausea, reflux, constipation). Is this really how you want to feel as you work towards your body goals?
Fatigue and low mood. Could you really manage with less mental and physical energy than you have now?
Reduced nutrient intake.

And one of the biggest downsides: Loss of muscle mass

As with any form of quick weight loss based on calorie reduction, up to 20–40% of weight loss can come from lean mass (essentially muscle) — something that becomes even more important as we age!

For women 40+, this really does matter.

Why? Because muscle is directly linked to:

Metabolism
Strength
Bone health
Long-term weight maintenance

What Happens When You Stop These Medications?

This is where the conversation is often lacking. Those eligble for these injections through the NHS are offered them for a maximum of two years. Whilst more longer term studies are needed, the side effects and downsides mean that long term use is far from ideal for optimal health.

The majority of people regain weight after coming off GLP-1 medications.

Not because they’ve “failed”; but because:

Appetite returns
Old habits are still there
The underlying drivers of weight gain haven’t been addressed

Which is why the real focus should be: What are you building while the medication is doing its job?

**How to Make GLP-1 Work For You (Not Against You)**

GLP-1 medications can be a powerful tool; but they aren’t a silver bullet. They work best when supported properly.

This is where a more personalised, holistic approach makes all the difference.

Focus on:

Protein intake to protect muscle and metabolism
Resistance (strength) training to maintain strength and body composition
Nutrient support to avoid deficiencies
Gut health to support digestion and hormones
Habit building while food noise is reduced

Used this way, the medication becomes a support tool. It should never be relied on as the whole strategy.

Is the natural way no longer relevant?! Absolutely not!

Not everyone wants (or needs) to use GLP-1 medications. And even if you do, the long-term goal is the same:

A body that feels good in the short and long term, functions well, and maintains results without relying on something external.

This is where my work focuses.

Instead of simply suppressing appetite, we look at:

Why hunger and cravings are happening
How to stabilise blood sugar through nutrition, movement and lifestyle
How to support hormones (especially in perimenopause)
How to rebuild trust with food

When these foundations are in place, fat loss becomes a side effect of increased body confidence and not a constant battle.

Reducing Food Noise Naturally

That constant mental chatter around food? It’s not just about willpower.

It’s often driven by:

Blood sugar imbalances
Nutrient deficiencies
Irregular eating patterns
Snacking
Stress and poor sleep

When these are addressed, appetite becomes more regulated, without needing to override it. This is a key part of how I support clients.

The Bigger Picture for Women 40+

Fat loss at this stage of life is different. It’s not just about calories.

It’s about:

Hormonal shifts
Muscle preservation
Energy levels
Recovery
Long-term health

Which is why a one-size-fits-all approach (whether that’s dieting or medication) rarely works on its own.

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy aren’t “good” or “bad”. They’re a tool, and like any tool, their effectiveness depends on how you use them.

On their own → short-term results
With the right support → an opportunity for lasting change

And whether you choose to use them or not, the foundations remain the same: Nutrition. Movement. Lifestyle. Mindset.

If you’re ready to make long lasting changes towards weight loss and your body goals, get in touch and let’s chat about how You By Anthea can support you.

Weight Loss Injections UK: What Actually Works