Welcome back to our two-part deep dive into the world of weight-loss jabs. In part one, we explored how GLP-1 medications work and what studies show about their effects on weight and metabolism.
Now, in part two, we’re turning our focus to an often-overlooked area: gut health. Because these medications work through the digestive system, understanding their impact on your gut – and how to support it naturally – is essential, especially for women in midlife.
Gut health and the hidden side of weight-loss jabs
One of the most talked-about – and often least understood – parts of the GLP-1 story is how these drugs affect the digestive system. After all, that’s exactly where they do much of their work.
GLP-1s slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach, helping people feel fuller for longer and reducing appetite. But that same mechanism can also lead to nausea, bloating, constipation, or even reflux – side effects many people experience, especially when they first start treatment. For some, the discomfort passes. For others, it can linger and make eating (and digesting) food a daily challenge.
There’s also growing discussion around the longer-term impact on gut health. Because these drugs change how we eat – and how often we eat – they may indirectly alter the gut microbiome, nutrient absorption, and even the strength of the digestive muscles. Research is still catching up, but early findings suggest that these shifts could have implications for metabolism, energy, and how well we maintain muscle and bone as we age.
For women in midlife, that matters. A sluggish gut can affect everything from hormone balance to mood, nutrient status, and energy levels – the very foundations of how we feel day to day. Supporting digestive health, whether through fibre, hydration, mindful eating, or probiotic-rich foods, becomes even more important if you’re considering (or already using) a GLP-1 medication.
Boosting your body’s natural GLP-1
Here’s the encouraging part: your body already makes GLP-1 on its own – every time you eat. It’s a hormone released by the gut that helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. And there are natural ways to enhance your own GLP-1 response without injections.
- Focus on fibre and whole foods
High-fibre foods like oats, beans, lentils, flaxseed, and vegetables stimulate GLP-1 release in the gut. They also slow digestion, steady blood sugar, and help you feel fuller for longer – the same benefits these drugs aim to replicate.
- Prioritise protein at every meal
Protein isn’t just for muscle. It helps trigger GLP-1 and other ‘fullness’ hormones, making it easier to manage appetite and maintain energy. Think eggs, fish, lean meats, Greek yoghurt, tofu, or legumes – ideally paired with fibre and healthy fats for balance.
- Move your body regularly
Exercise, especially resistance training, can naturally increase GLP-1 levels and improve how your body responds to it. Building and maintaining muscle is also one of the best ways to support a healthy metabolism during midlife.
- Support your gut microbiome
Your gut bacteria play a surprising role in hormone signalling, including GLP-1. Probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi – along with plenty of plant variety – can nurture a more balanced, resilient microbiome.
- Mind your meal timing and stress
Eating slowly and managing stress may sound simple, but they have real biological effects. Chronic stress and rushed eating can blunt hormonal signalling, including GLP-1 release. A few deep breaths before meals and mindful eating can go a long way.
Why the ‘originally for diabetes’ point still matters
It’s worth remembering that GLP-1 medications weren’t originally designed as weight-loss treatments, and that they were developed for people living with type-2 diabetes. That history shapes what we know (and don’t yet know) about them.
- Most long-term research comes from diabetes trials – the dosing, safety data, and outcome measures we have today are based mainly on people managing type-2 diabetes, not on those using these drugs purely for weight loss.
- Their wider use is still new territory – using GLP-1s in people without diabetes, especially in older adults, women going through menopause, or those taking other medications, is relatively recent, so there are still gaps in understanding how they work over the long term in these groups.
- Access and safety are under close review – regulators like NICE continue to assess these medications carefully, weighing cost, fairness, and long-term safety. Often, they recommend that GLP-1s be prescribed alongside lifestyle programmes – with regular reviews and clear stop points if the benefits don’t outweigh the risks.
In other words, while the science may look exciting, it’s still evolving. For anyone considering GLP-1s, it’s important to look at the whole picture – not just what’s trending online, but what’s been truly tested, and how it fits your individual health story.
At the end of the day, no pill (or jab) replaces a healthy foundation. Encouraging your body’s natural mechanisms helps in multiple ways – even if the gains are more modest, they come without pharmaceutical risk. These new weight-loss medications are powerful tools, but not magic wands. Use them wisely and know what you’re signing up for. Remember, supporting digestion, hormones, and metabolic balance naturally helps you feel well from the inside out, whether you choose to use medication or not. If you would like to know more about how our range of natural supplements can help with weight management, or any digestive and gut health issue, please get in touch.
