GLP-1 Medications, Weight Loss, and Menopause: What the Latest Research Tells Us
- Tara S
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Alice Health
The role of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, in weight management has gained significant attention, particularly among postmenopausal women.
March 31, 2015
A recent small-scale study published in Menopause explored the weight loss effects of semaglutide in postmenopausal women, comparing those using menopause hormone therapy (HT) with those who were not. While the findings suggest some intriguing potential benefits, the study's limitations and broader health implications warrant careful consideration.
Key Findings of the Study
Researchers analyzed a cohort of 106 postmenopausal women who had been on semaglutide for at least three months to treat overweight or obesity. The study’s key results include:
Women using hormone therapy (HT) had greater total body weight loss (TBWL%) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months compared to those who were not on HT.
After 12 months, women on HT had an average total body weight loss (TBWL) of 16%, compared to 12% in those not on HT.
Both groups saw improvements in cardiometabolic risk markers, including glucose levels, blood pressure, and lipid profiles.
Potential Benefits of Semaglutide for Postmenopausal Women
These results highlight the potential role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in addressing weight-related health risks that often emerge or worsen during menopause. Some possible benefits include:
Enhanced Weight Loss with HT: Women on hormone therapy appeared to lose weight more effectively, suggesting that HT may enhance semaglutide’s effectiveness. This could be relevant for women struggling with weight gain linked to menopause-related hormonal changes.
Cardiometabolic Improvements: Both groups experienced improved markers related to heart disease and metabolic health, which are key concerns during menopause.
Limitations and Considerations
Despite these promising findings, it is essential to acknowledge the study’s significant limitations:
Small Sample Size: The study involved only 16 women on HT and 90 without HT, making it difficult to draw broad conclusions about the general population.
Retrospective Nature: This was a retrospective study, meaning researchers analyzed past data rather than conducting a controlled clinical trial. This makes it harder to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between HT and enhanced weight loss.
Lack of Diversity: The study noted differences in racial composition and health conditions between the two groups, which may have influenced the results.
Potential Confounders: While researchers adjusted for some variables, other factors—such as lifestyle, diet, and activity levels—were not fully accounted for.
What Does This Mean for Women in Menopause?
For postmenopausal women considering semaglutide for weight management, this research suggests that hormone therapy might enhance weight loss outcomes. However, because the study is small and retrospective, larger and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
If you’re considering semaglutide or hormone therapy, here are a few takeaways:
Talk to Your Doctor: If weight gain is a concern, discuss whether GLP-1 medications, hormone therapy, or a combination might be appropriate for you (and share this new research -- but note, in Europe and the Netherlands, specifically, these medications are only approved for diabetes at this time, so it will be challenging to have this approved by your GP).
Consider Other Health Benefits and Risks: With both semaglutide and hormone therapy it's important to ascertain if you're the right patient for either of these medications, as there are associated risks.
Stay Informed: Research in this area is evolving, and future studies will likely provide clearer guidance on how these treatments interact.
Final Thoughts
While this study provides valuable insights into how semaglutide may work in postmenopausal women, its small sample size and observational nature mean that we should interpret the results cautiously. The connection between hormone therapy and enhanced weight loss on semaglutide is intriguing but requires further research to determine its broader implications. As always, individualized medical advice from a healthcare provider is key when considering new treatments.
At Alice Health, we remain committed to keeping you informed about the latest research and advancements in menopause and perimenopause health. Stay tuned for more updates on this topic as they unfold!