Weight gain after menopause is not merely a cosmetic issue; it also places pressure on healthcare systems, as the risk of, among other things, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders increases.
According to Medical News Today, many women in the years surrounding menopause typically gain weight, while hormonal changes and a slower metabolism make weight loss more difficult than before.
This challenge has contributed to a marked increase in the use of GLP-1–based medications among women aged 50 to 64, particularly in the United States.
These drugs are increasingly used as a supplement to lifestyle changes, but their effectiveness varies significantly between patient groups.
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Data from clinical practice
An observational study from the Mayo Clinic Health System, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, analyzed data from 120 postmenopausal women with overweight or severe obesity.
All participants received treatment with tirzepatide for at least 12 months, but some also used menopausal hormone therapy.
The study’s first author, Regina Castaneda, points to biological explanations for the interaction between the treatments:
“Studies in animal models have suggested a potential synergy, with estrogen shown to enhance the appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1”.
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The study was not designed to establish causal relationships, but rather to identify patterns in clinical data.
A possible change in course
The results showed that women receiving hormone therapy achieved, on average, around 35 percent greater weight loss than women who received tirzepatide alone.
According to senior author Maria Daniela Hurtado Andrade, the findings indicate a need for more individualized counseling.
Independent surgeon Mir Ali believes the results are consistent with clinical experience.
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He emphasizes that declining estrogen levels after menopause have a direct impact on weight regulation, and that further research is needed to determine optimal treatment strategies.
Sources: Medical News Today, and The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health.
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