What GLP-1s Really Do for Women’s Bodies Beyond Weight Loss

You’ve probably heard about “the shot.”

Maybe a friend mentioned it over coffee. Maybe it showed up in your feed next to a before-and-after photo. Maybe you’ve been quietly Googling it at night, wondering if it’s the thing that might finally help.

But here’s the question most women over 35 are really asking:

What does a GLP-1 actually do in my body?

A body that’s changed with time. A body that doesn’t respond to dieting the way it used to.

At Josie, we hear it all the time from women in their late 30s, 40s, and 50s:

“I’m doing everything ‘right’… eating less, moving more… so why isn’t it working anymore?”

In this article, we’ll break down how GLP-1s work with your biology, what to expect, and why this approach is helping so many women feel like themselves again.

Josie’s TL;DR

• Food freedom is real. Most Josie members say the first thing they notice is less food noise — fewer cravings, more control.
• It supports your hormones. GLP-1s help calm insulin spikes and lower inflammation, which matters so much in your 40s and 50s.
• It’s not a shortcut. But with the right support — like strength training and check-ins — it can finally move the needle.
• You’re not failing. Your body just needs a different kind of support. That’s what we’re here for at Josie.

What GLP-1s Actually Do in a Woman’s Body

GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a hormone your body naturally makes. In women, especially after 35 (or even women over 40), they help regulate appetite, control blood sugar, and reduce cravings — all of which become harder to manage during perimenopause and menopause.

They also support other key systems affected by hormonal shifts, like insulin resistance, inflammation, and cortisol — making it easier to lose weight and feel better overall.

Thousands of women over 35 are turning to GLP-1 medications, and it's changing their lives for the better.

Here’s how that plays out in real life:

Calms the Cravings and Hunger Rollercoaster

GLP-1s help your body feel satisfied with less food. They slow digestion, increase satiety, and reduce the urge to snack — especially at night.

Most women at Josie say they notice this first, and they’re not obsessing over food anymore.

Helps Your Hormones Catch a Break

GLP-1s help ease the hormonal chaos midlife brings. They lower cortisol (your stress hormone), support insulin sensitivity, and reduce low-grade inflammation — which means:

• Fewer crashes and cravings
• Less belly fat storage
• Better sleep and recovery

For women in their 40s and 50s on the Josie program, this shift often brings more energy and better sleep too.

Why It Hits Different After 35

Midlife changes everything — from the way your body stores fat to how it responds to food and stress. GLP-1s don’t “fix” that, but they support it. They give your biology the backup it needs in a season where everything feels harder.

Here’s why your 35+ body doesn’t respond the way it used to:

Estrogen, Progesterone, and the Midlife Metabolism Drop

As estrogen and progesterone start to decline in perimenopause, your metabolism slows down. Muscle mass drops. Fat shifts to the belly. And your body gets more sensitive to carbs and insulin spikes — even if your habits haven’t changed.

This hormonal transition often begins in your late 30s or early 40s — long before full menopause. That’s when many women notice their usual routines stop working.

It’s Not Willpower. It’s Biology.

What looks like “nothing works anymore” is actually your body protecting itself. Your stress response ramps up. Cravings hit harder. Your body fights to hold on to fat — not because you’re lazy, but because your biology is shifting.

Many Josie members come to us saying, “I used to be able to lose weight in a week. Now nothing works.” We hear it every day.

At Josie, we’ve seen GLP-1s take the pressure off for so many women — easing cravings, leveling out blood sugar swings, and giving the body a chance to relax and release what it’s been holding onto.

What GLP-1s Don’t Do, And What You Still Need to Do

GLP-1s are powerful, but they’re not magic. They won’t do everything for you — and that’s okay. For most women on the Josie program, the shot is just one piece of the bigger picture. Here’s what it doesn’t do, and what still matters.

It Won’t Build Muscle

GLP-1s can help reduce cravings and support weight loss — but they can’t build strength. That part’s still up to you.

After 35, preserving (or rebuilding) muscle is essential for a healthy metabolism, strong bones, and long-term health. That’s why we always recommend pairing GLP-1 support with strength training — even just a few short sessions a week can make a big difference.

Most women in the Josie program use the Simply Strong App for strength training — it’s built for busy women over 35 with effective 30-minute workouts you can actually stick to.

Quick, empowering story: Bethany, 47, was completely new to strength training and nervous to start. But after committing to 30 minutes, 3–4 times per week, she now looks forward to her workouts. “It’s my time,” she told us. “I feel better than I have in years.” She highly recommends pairing strength training with a GLP-1 — it’s helped her feel strong, supported, and back in control. Bethany has been with Josie for a full year, prescribed compounded tirzepatide, and uses the Simply Strong App to stay consistent.

It Won’t Fix Burnout or Stress

You can lose weight and still feel depleted if stress and burnout are running the show.

That’s why Josie offers more than just prescriptions. Our patients get regular check-ins, 24/7 messaging access, and real support — because this journey isn’t just physical, it’s emotional too.

Your nervous system matters. Your sleep matters. And you matter.

What It Feels Like to Be on a GLP-1

Everyone’s experience is different, but here’s what most women in the Josie community notice in their first few weeks:

• You feel full faster — meals are more satisfying, and you’re not looking for something to munch on an hour later.
• You stop thinking about food all the time — grazing, snacking, and “what’s in the pantry?” start to fade into the background.
• You have fewer crashes — blood sugar swings become less dramatic, and energy feels more steady.
• You notice emotional shifts — some women feel a sense of relief that something is finally working. Others feel guilt for needing help at all. Both are normal.

“I didn’t realize how much mental space food was taking up,” said Megan, a 42-year-old Josie member.
“The constant chatter, what to eat, when to eat, how much, etc.... just quieted down. It’s like my brain has room for other things again.”

For many, that’s the biggest change. Not just the number on the scale, but the peace of mind.

Common Side Effects to Know

Most women who take a GLP-1 experience some mild side effects early on — especially during the first few weeks.

Here’s what we see most often with Josie members:

• Nausea (especially after eating too fast or too much)
• Bloating or fullness
• Constipation or looser stools
• Fatigue, especially in the first 1–2 weeks
• Appetite changes (most women eat less without feeling deprived)
  

These usually improve over time, especially with the right dose and support.

What About More Serious Side Effects?

Rare but serious side effects — like pancreatitis or gallbladder issues — are discussed during your Josie consult. Our providers are trained to assess your risk and prescribe responsibly.

“We monitor every member’s progress,” says the Josie clinical team. “And we adjust as needed. It’s not one-size-fits-all.”

If you’re ever unsure or uncomfortable, you can message your Josie provider 24/7. That’s part of the care.

What Makes One GLP-1 Different from Another?

The main difference comes down to which hormones the medication mimics, how it's delivered (injection or tablet), and how your body responds to it.

Some GLP-1s only mimic one hunger-regulating hormone, while others target two — potentially offering more support for appetite, blood sugar, and weight. And depending on your lifestyle, you might prefer a once-weekly shot or a daily tablet.

Let’s break it down:

The Science Stuff (Simplified)

• Semaglutide mimics one hormone (GLP-1)
• Tirzepatide mimics two (GLP-1 + GIP)
• Both help regulate appetite, insulin, and blood sugar

They're available as injectables, and in some programs — including Josie — you may be offered compounded oral tablets if appropriate.

What Women at Josie Are Choosing

At Josie, you’ll talk through the options with your provider based on your goals, health history, and preferences.

“About 30% of our members prefer tablets — especially if they’re new to this,” says our care team. “But some love the simplicity of one injection per week. Either way, it’s about what fits your real life.”

What Happens When You Stop Taking It?

GLP-1s don’t “fix” metabolism permanently. If you stop taking them without changing habits or understanding your body’s signals, weight regain is more likely. At Josie, we recommend tapering off gradually, which means lowering your dose to get your body ready to get off your GLP-1 medication.

But here’s the good news: You’re not alone, and you’re not expected to figure it out by yourself.

That’s why we build in coaching, education, and lifestyle tools at Josie — so if and when you stop, you’re not starting from scratch.

Many Josie members continue strength training, prioritize protein, and stay in touch with their care team even after stepping off the medication. It’s not all-or-nothing. It’s a transition — and we help you through it.

Can I Get Back On a GLP-1 If I Stop? Like Down the Road?

Yes, you can, although it's not recommended to stop cold turkey. At Josie, we like to taper down in doses with our patients, so your body can adjust accordingly.

Stopping doesn’t mean you’ve “used up” your shot. Life shifts. Maybe it’s stress, travel, or simply the financial side — we get it. At Josie, many women pause for a season and come back when it makes sense. Some women pause for a month, then pick back up the next month —  it all depends on your unique situation.

We’ll reassess where you’re at, look at your health goals, and see if restarting is the right step. There’s no shame, no starting over — just support that adjusts with your life.

One of our members, Rachel (42), took a 3-month break to save for a family move. “I was nervous I’d undo everything,” she said. “But when I came back, my provider picked up right where we left off. It felt like coming home.” Rachel had stayed consistent with strength training during her time off, which made the transition off — and then back on — smoother than she expected.

The Bottom Line: It’s Not a Shortcut, It’s a Strategy

GLP-1s aren’t a cheat code. They’re a tool — one that helps your body do what it’s been trying to do all along: find balance.

If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of trying harder, eating less, and pushing through exhaustion, it’s not because you’ve failed. It’s because the old rules stopped working.

At Josie, we see this every day. Women in their 40s and 50s who thought they just needed more willpower — until they realized they needed a new strategy. One built around biology, not blame.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

You just have to stop fighting yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I notice results on a GLP-1?

Many women at Josie say they notice changes in appetite and cravings within the first 1–2 weeks. Weight loss tends to follow more gradually — usually over several months.

Will I regain the weight if I stop taking it?

Not necessarily. That’s why we pair GLP-1s with strength training, lifestyle tools, and ongoing support at Josie — to help you build habits that last, even after stopping.

Are GLP-1s safe if I’m in perimenopause or menopause?

Yes, GLP-1s have been used safely in women over 40, including those in perimenopause or menopause. At Josie, licensed U.S. providers review your full health picture before prescribing.

What’s the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Both support weight loss and appetite regulation. Tirzepatide may work faster for some women but can be stronger in side effects. At Josie, your provider helps you choose what fits best.

What if I’m nervous about the injection?

You’re not alone. That’s why many women at Josie start with oral tablets. But if you prefer once-a-week dosing, the injection can be simple and discreet.

Can I use a GLP-1 if I’m not technically “overweight”?

Possibly. Some women with hormonal changes, PCOS, insulin resistance, or weight-related health concerns may qualify. Josie’s quiz will help determine if it’s right for you.

Ready to see if it’s the right fit for you?

Take our quick quiz to find out if you're a candidate for compounded GLP-1 treatment with Josie.

If you qualify, you’ll get a personalized plan, support from licensed providers and your own care team, and tools designed for women like you.