Weight-loss jabs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy have become increasingly popular, with over half a million people in the UK reportedly using them. However, experts are raising concerns that midlife women, in particular, may be putting their health at risk by focusing solely on calorie restriction without ensuring adequate nutrition.
Dr Shashi Prasad, an expert in hormonal health at the Marion Gluck Clinic in London, warns that rapid weight loss can accelerate hormonal changes linked to perimenopause and menopause, including insulin resistance and loss of muscle mass and bone density. She emphasises that nutritional requirements must be carefully considered when using these injections.
Dietitian Nataly Komova of It's Me & You Clinic adds that midlife women 'risk long-term deficiencies, muscle loss and worsened metabolic health' if they prioritise low-calorie, nutrient-poor foods. She advises that every calorie should deliver value, especially when eating less.
The basic rules for healthy weight loss on GLP-1 injections include restricting calories, eating plenty of protein to preserve muscle mass, consuming fibre to prevent constipation, and staying hydrated. Experts recommend lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, eggs, pulses, or tofu at every meal, steering clear of highly processed 'high-protein' products that may be nutritionally poor.
Dr Prasad suggests midlife women aim for 1-1.2g of protein per kilogram of target body weight daily. For a target weight of 70kg, this means at least 70g of protein—equivalent to one whole chicken breast, a tin of tuna, and two eggs. Without proper nutrition, rapid weight loss can lead to hair loss, weakened immunity, mood swings, and accelerated menopausal symptoms.
