Muscle, Metabolism & Mindset

Let’s shift the conversation. Instead of asking, “When can I stop taking this medication?”, it’s time to ask:

“What can I do to build lasting metabolic health?”

Changing the Narrative Around GLP-1s

If you’ve ever been told to “just eat less and move more,” you’re not alone and you’re not the problem.

Obesity isn’t a failure of willpower. It’s a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial disease just like hypertension or type 2 diabetes. And like any chronic condition, it requires long-term care and sustainable strategies.

So rather than focus on when you can stop GLP-1 medications, let’s talk about how to support your body while you’re on them and beyond.

Why Muscle Matters More Than Ever

GLP-1 medications suppress appetite, which can result in weight loss. But that can also mean losing muscle if you’re not intentional.

And muscle isn’t just about strength; it’s your metabolic engine. The more muscle you carry, the more calories you burn at rest, and the easier it is to maintain weight loss.

Losing too much muscle? That can slow your metabolism and make long-term success harder to achieve.

Your Muscle-Support Checklist:

• Prioritise protein. Aim for 1.6– 2 grams of protein per kilogram of ideal body weight each day. Distribute it across your meals and snacks.
• Lift weights. Strength train 2–3 times per week. Resistance training isn’t optional, it’s foundational.
• Track body composition. Tools like a DEXA scan or InBody scale can help you monitor fat vs. muscle changes over time.
• Adjust your GLP-1 dose if needed. Rapid weight loss (more than 1–2 lbs per week) can mean you’re losing muscle. Talk to your provider about adjusting your dose.

Important: GLP-1s don’t directly cause muscle loss. It’s the calorie deficit that can, especially if you’re not eating enough protein or strength training.

Obesity Is a Disease, not a Personal Failure

If you’ve struggled with weight loss for years, tried every diet, and still feel stuck, it’s not your fault.

Genetics, hormones, metabolism, and life stage (hello, perimenopause and menopause) all play a role. Reduced oestrogen, slowed metabolism, and increased belly fat are real biological shifts, not imagined obstacles.

GLP-1s offer support that works with your biology, helping regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and make sustainable changes more achievable.

And you deserve that support – without judgment.

Can You Ever Stop GLP-1s?

It depends. Some people, especially those who build muscle, repair metabolic health, and address root causes of weight gain, may eventually transition off GLP-1s.

For others, particularly those with PCOS, insulin resistance, or a long history of weight cycling, long-term use may be the most effective and safest option.

And that’s not a failure.

We don’t stop treating high blood pressure just because it’s under control. The same applies here.

Build a Smarter, Shame-Free Plan

There’s no shame in using medication to manage a chronic condition. GLP-1s aren’t a shortcut, they’re a tool. And when combined with education, strength, and supportive healthcare, they can be life changing.

Here’s how to support your journey:

• Protect your muscle. Prioritise protein and resistance training.
• Support your metabolism. Fuel your body, not just restrict it.
• Work with informed clinicians.
• Say no to shame. Your health is not up for judgment.

You’re allowed to need support.

You’re allowed to take medication.

And you’re allowed to feel strong and confident in your midlife body.

Talk to your provider about how to protect your muscle, optimise your metabolism, and find the best long-term approach for you.

Thanks for reading!

Louise x

Learn more about Louise here