Weight Loss Solutions for Menopause: FDA-Approved Drugs That Work

Weight gain during menopause is pretty common—and it’s not because you’re eating wrong or not working hard enough on the treadmill.

Your body is simply going through the aging process. When your mood and hormones are working against you, it can feel like there’s no way (or weigh) around it.

On average, women gain about 1 pound per year during menopause, and for 20% of women, it’s more like 10 pounds. While it’s not directly tied to hormones, aging and reduced energy expenditure are big factors. And often, menopause means more belly fat.

But there’s good news—six FDA-approved weight loss drugs with the FDA seal of approval can help. Let’s look into these medications that have been vetted for long-term use and how they can support you during menopause.

Weight gain during menopause isn’t just about what’s on your plate or how much you’re hitting the treadmill. It’s a mix of biological changes that happen naturally as your body transitions. Here’s a breakdown of what’s really going on:

As estrogen levels drop, fat tends to accumulate around your abdomen. This shift is part of the menopause process, and lower estrogen can also mess with your body’s ability to burn fat efficiently.

Your metabolism naturally slows down during menopause. This means your body burns fewer calories at rest, so it becomes easier to pack on the pounds—especially if your diet and activity levels stay the same.

With decreasing estrogen, muscle mass tends to drop off as well. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, losing muscle makes it harder to burn calories, which contributes to weight gain.

During menopause, where your body stores fat changes. You may notice more fat around your belly rather than your hips or thighs. This redistribution of fat is one of the hallmark signs of menopause.

Menopause can bring on a lot of stress, both hormonal and emotional. This can boost cortisol, the “stress hormone,” which is linked to belly fat and cravings for high-calorie comfort foods.

Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, poor sleep, and low energy can make staying active or sticking to a healthy diet tough. These changes can lead to weight gain when physical activity and healthy habits fall by the wayside (National Institutes of Health) [source].

Trouble sleeping is another challenge that comes with menopause. Hot flashes and hormonal changes can make it difficult to get enough rest, which disrupts hunger hormones, increases cravings, and leads to weight gain.

Slower metabolism and changes in appetite can lead to comfort eating. Hormonal shifts might make it harder to control food intake, especially when you’re dealing with cravings or energy slumps.

Menopause is a mixed bag of hormonal, metabolic, and lifestyle factors that can make weight gain feel inevitable. But knowing the why behind the changes helps you take control and create a personalized strategy to manage it.

And sometimes, it’s a once-weekly thing.

Managing menopause-related weight gain is a common struggle, but these FDA-approved medications could be just the help you need. Each drug works differently, from blocking fat absorption to reducing appetite, offering a range of options to get you back on track.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the best weight loss drugs available.

Orlistat acts like a bouncer at a club, blocking fat from entering your body. It stops an enzyme in the gut from breaking down fat, meaning less fat is absorbed.

Side effects
Get ready for some gastrointestinal discomfort. We’re talking gas, diarrhea, and fatty stools, so keep that low-fat diet handy.

Who it’s for
This one’s for those with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 with weight-related health conditions. If you’ve been struggling with fat absorption, Orlistat might be your go-to.

Other considerations
Orlistat works best if paired with a healthy, low-fat diet.

It’s also available over-the-counter (as Alli), but still needs a bit of medical oversight to make sure it fits your health plan.

A dynamic duo, Phentermine suppresses your appetite, while Topiramate boosts calorie burn, hitting two birds with one once-daily stone.

Side effects
Dry mouth, constipation, insomnia—you might have a few bumps on the way. Watch for an increase in heart rate too.

Who it’s for
If your BMI is 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions, this combo could give your metabolism a much-needed boost.

Other considerations
Phentermine-Topiramate isn’t for the faint of heart (or those with high blood pressure). It needs to be carefully managed by your healthcare provider.

Naltrexone targets the brain’s reward system, while Bupropion boosts your energy and helps control hunger. It rewires your brain to stop craving that second helping.

Side effects
Mild nausea and constipation are common, but keep an eye out for headaches or dizziness. Serious side effects include elevated blood pressure and risk of seizures, so keep your doctor in the loop.

Who it’s for
If emotional eating’s been your weight loss roadblock, Contrave might be your answer. It’s ideal for those with a BMI of 30 or greater (or 27+ with health issues).

Other considerations
Take it under medical supervision—especially if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders. Be vigilant about any changes in mood or behavior and report them to your doctor immediately.

The next items on the list are next generation peptides for weight loss. They’ve shown drastic results, but are still under thorough review to find out their long-term outcomes and safety profiles.

Liraglutide (Saxenda) was actually the first GLP-1 receptor agonist to earn the FDA’s stamp of approval for chronic weight management in adults. This groundbreaking step cleared the way for the next big names in weight loss—semaglutide and tirzepatide.

This one’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it suppresses appetite and slows stomach emptying. It also helps with blood sugar control. It’s the appetite-suppressing solution for both weight loss and blood sugar regulation.

Side effects
Expect a little nausea, some diarrhea, and potential headaches. It can also trigger gallbladder issues, so work closely with your doctor when taking liraglutide.

Who should consider it
Liraglutide is great for those with a BMI of 30 or higher or those with BMI of 27+ and issues like high blood pressure. It’s a two-for-one deal—weight loss and better blood sugar control.

Other considerations
Weekly injections, and you’ll need a prescription to get started. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are essential to track progress and side effects.

Semaglutide’s GLP-1 receptor action helps control appetite, regulate food intake, and improve metabolism. It also works wonders on insulin sensitivity—so it’s great for managing both weight and blood sugar.

Side effects
Like its GLP-1 cousins, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are common. You might also experience constipation and headaches.

Who it’s for
If your BMI is 30 or higher (or 27+ with health issues), Semaglutide could be your ticket to a slimmer, healthier you.

Other considerations
It’s a weekly injection, so you’ll want to get comfortable with that. But don’t worry—the puncture is painless and invisible. Still, always check in with your healthcare provider for ongoing support.

Zepbound is a dual-target medication working on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. In contrast, Wegovy is only a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

This combo works to suppress appetite, regulate metabolism, and improve insulin sensitivity. Think of it as a turbocharge for your body’s weight management systems.

Side effects
Expect similar gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. In rare cases, pancreatitis can occur, so stay in touch with your doctor.

Who it’s for
If your BMI is 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health problems, Zepbound could work wonders. It’s especially good for improving metabolism alongside weight loss.

Other considerations
Semaglutide has been around longer and has a solid track record, but tirzepatide is quickly making a name for itself with some impressive results in clinical trials.

Both drugs are safe and effective for weight loss and diabetes management, as long as they’re used correctly and with the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Ultimately, the best one-size-fits-all solution is a doctor’s visit.

Not only are these meds prescription-only, phentermine-topiramate is a schedule IV controlled substance because of the phentermine component.

During menopause, your body undergoes a complex mix of physical and chemical changes. Focusing on just one issue misses the bigger picture. If you truly want to optimize your health, work with a doctor who takes a holistic approach—weight loss included.

​​Weight loss drugs aren’t the first line of action for everyone experiencing weight gain during menopause.

Here’s when they become a serious consideration:

Even with good habits, weight loss can plateau. If you’ve put in consistent effort with diet, exercise, and stress management, but the scale isn’t budging or you’re even gaining, it might be time to explore medication.

• BMI Over 27 with health issues: If your BMI is over 27 and you’re dealing with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, medication can help tackle those risks.
• BMI Over 30: If your BMI crosses into the obese range (30+), medication can make a big difference in improving health outcomes, even without other conditions.

Hormonal changes don’t just affect your mood—they can make weight loss harder too. If cravings and fatigue are your new normal, and lifestyle changes aren’t cutting it, meds might be just the thing to tackle these issues and help you shed those extra pounds.

As muscle mass declines with age, it becomes harder to lose weight. Medications can help offset this by increasing satiety or boosting metabolism.

These medications are most effective when they’re part of a long-term strategy. You’ve got to stay committed to healthy habits and be prepared to manage potential side effects with your doctor’s guidance. Plus, don’t forget to check if your insurance covers it or if you can afford to pay for it out of pocket.

It’s always a good idea to reach out to your doctor if:

• You’re concerned about weight gain—they can help pinpoint the cause and offer solutions.
• You’re considering weight loss meds—they’ll help assess if it’s the right fit for your health goals.
• You’re experiencing side effects—they’ll guide you on how to manage them or adjust your treatment.

Weight loss meds can work wonders, but they should be just one piece of a larger health plan. Your health deserves a well-rounded approach.

GLP-1s and other FDA-approved weight loss drugs help curb your appetite, boost metabolism, and improve energy levels. They may also improve health markers like blood sugar and cholesterol.

Even if you work out like you did in your 30s, it’s normal to see more belly fat during menopause. When diet and exercise aren’t enough, your doctor can guide you toward the right treatment.

There’s no one magic pill, which is why the FDA has approved six different options.

It may take some time to find what works for you. These drugs are safe and effective for long-term weight loss, but they don’t replace a healthy lifestyle. Partner with a trusted healthcare provider to get the best results.

Weight loss is a personal journey that’s unique to you—and we get that. That’s why we don’t just hand you a generic plan and hope it works. We take the time to understand your body, your lifestyle, and your goals before making any expert recommendations.

Your health is too important for guesswork, and we’re not about that.

Whether we kick off with hormone optimization therapy to tackle menopause symptoms or focus on other healthy weight loss approaches to shedding those pounds, we’re here for you. We’re here to make sure your journey isn’t just successful, but sustainable. Forget the cookie-cutter advice—this is all about you.

Take control of your health today with a personalized consultation.

Yunique Medical provides FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE for optimized health and performance. We offer customized, scientifically advanced treatments including menopause treatments in Ocala, Port Orange, and The Villages, to create a new state of human thriving. Why be ordinary when you can be optimal?

HUMAN 2.0 begins here!

Contact us to schedule your FREE consultation at one of our three locations in Florida – Ocala, Fruitland Park (The Villages), and Daytona.

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• Tirzepatide as the Next Game Changer in Weight Loss Drugs