If you’ve been searching for what you need to know before taking Ozempic, especially as a woman over 40, you’re not alone. More and more women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are asking if this weight loss drug is the solution to stubborn menopause belly fat.
So many of our clients have the same struggles, they’re juggling a demanding career with family life and are doing everything they can to stay healthy… yet nothing seems to work anymore.
The diets, the cardio, the “eat less, move more” approach that worked in your 20s and 30s? It’s no longer cutting it. And with clothes feeling tighter, energy running low, and confidence taking a hit, it’s hard not to feel frustrated.
Maybe you’ve started to wonder if weight loss injections like Ozempic could finally give you the results you’ve been chasing. The promise of quick, effortless fat loss is tempting, especially when nothing else seems to shift the scale.
But here’s the thing: you don’t just want to lose weight. You want to keep it off. You want to feel strong, energised, and in control of your health, without being tied to weekly injections or dealing with nasty side
So let’s look at the science, the side effects, the risks, and most importantly, whether this injection will help you lose weight long-term, or just set you back further.
What is Ozempic?
Firstly, let’s start with the basics, what is Ozempic? Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking a hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar, insulin levels, and appetite.
One of its main effects is slowing digestion and increasing the feeling of fullness, which leads to reduced food intake and — in many cases — weight loss.
It’s typically injected once a week and has grown in popularity because of its visible results in people who’ve struggled with weight for years.
However, Ozempic is not a traditional fat burner or metabolism booster — it alters how your brain and gut communicate about hunger, which is a very different approach from diet and exercise.
How Often Do You Take Ozempic?
Ozempic is taken once a week via a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), usually in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. It comes in a prefilled pen, and your healthcare provider will typically start you on a lower dose before gradually increasing it over several weeks to minimize side effects.
Consistency is key. Missing doses can disrupt its effectiveness, and stopping abruptly can have consequences — more on that below.
What Are Ozempic’s Side Effects?
The most common side effects of Ozempic are gastrointestinal — and they can be intense, especially in the early weeks:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating or feeling overly full
Less common but more serious side effects include:
- Hair Loss: Some users report unexpected hair thinning.
- Shingles Outbreaks: Rare but documented.
- Muscle Loss: Rapid weight loss can lead to decreased muscle mass, which is already a concern for women over 40 due to natural age-related muscle decline.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Often due to a drop in calories and nutrients.
- Thyroid Concerns: Ozempic carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumours in rodent studies, though it’s unclear if this risk applies to humans.
It’s essential to monitor your symptoms and work closely with a healthcare provider throughout your use.
” I was very stressed and not feeling good about myself. I would delete most photos of myself. I was 15 stone and a size 18 to 20. The weight had crept on since the children. Since Trinity I am now a size 12, having lost nearly 3 stone. I have a whole new wardrobe and people still comment on how good I look. I feel better in myself and more confident with the feeling of strength and achievement. The transformation is not just physical. I know I can do whatever I set my mind to.”
– Alison Tennant (56), Trinity Client
What Are the Benefits of Ozempic?
Many people, including women over 40, experience notable benefits while on Ozempic:
Weight Loss
Ozempic reduces appetite and slows down digestion, which helps many users lose weight. For menopausal women dealing with midsection weight gain, this can feel like a breakthrough.
Improved Blood Sugar Control
It lowers blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial if you’re pre-diabetic or insulin resistant — both common during menopause.
Reduced Cravings
Many users report less interest in snacking or emotional eating, which can be a huge help if stress or hormonal fluctuations drive your appetite.
However, weight loss alone doesn’t solve everything. Without lifestyle changes, the weight often returns once the medication stops — and sometimes, it comes back with interest.
What Should Be Considered Before Taking Ozempic?
Before starting Ozempic, there are several important factors to weigh up:
Are you addressing the root cause of weight gain?
Hormonal shifts, increased cortisol, and declining muscle mass during menopause often require a different approach than calorie-cutting alone.
Do you have a long-term plan?
Ozempic is not a forever solution. Many women find that when they stop taking it, their hunger returns and so does the weight — sometimes faster than it left.
Are you okay with side effects?
Ozempic is not without drawbacks, and some side effects can seriously interfere with daily life (more on that below).
Do you need medical supervision?
Ozempic is a prescription medication that should only be taken under medical supervision, especially if you have a history of thyroid issues, gastrointestinal disorders, or other underlying conditions.
What Happens After You Stop Taking Ozempic?
Unfortunately, many women find that once they stop Ozempic, their hunger returns quickly — often stronger than before.
Because Ozempic suppresses your natural appetite, your body may “rebound” by increasing hunger hormones once the drug is discontinued.
And not only that, but, any weight lost can return if lifestyle changes haven’t been made alongside it.
In some cases, users regain the weight, and more, especially if their metabolism slowed due to muscle loss during the period of rapid weight reduction.
This is one reason why Ozempic should never be seen as a stand-alone solution. It works best as part of a comprehensive health strategy, not as a replacement for one.
Who Shouldn’t Take Ozempic?
Ozempic is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid or be cautious if you:
- Have a history of thyroid cancer or a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Suffer from pancreatitis or gallbladder disease
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have severe gastrointestinal disorders (like gastroparesis)
- Have a known allergy to semaglutide
Always consult your doctor before starting — especially if you’re managing other health issues or medications.
What Actually Works for Weight Loss For Women Over 40?
We’ve helped thousands of women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who were stuck.
They tried dieting. They tried HIIT and spin classes. And they even tried weight loss drugs.
And nothing worked long-term.
Until they finally started working with their body instead of against it.
Here’s what actually makes the difference:
1. Hormonally Balanced Eating + Prioritizing Protein
Research shows that getting 25–30g of protein per meal helps you feel fuller, reduces muscle loss during weight loss, and curbs cravings. For women in menopause, this is essential.
Without enough protein, the body breaks down muscle and stores fat more easily — especially around the belly.
Start with simple swaps: Greek yogurt over cereal, eggs over toast, chicken or tofu over pasta-heavy dishes. The difference in how you feel — and how your clothes fit — can be dramatic.
2. Strength Training: Build Muscle, Burn Fat (Even at Rest)
One of the most effective ways to boost metabolism in menopause isn’t through medication — it’s through muscle. As oestrogen levels drop, women lose muscle mass and gain fat, even if their weight on the scale doesn’t change.
Muscle is metabolically active tissue, meaning it burns more calories even when you’re sitting on the sofa. Studies show that women who do resistance training 2–3 times a week not only lose weight, but maintain it more successfully — with fewer cravings and better blood sugar control.
And no, lifting weights won’t make you bulky. In fact, it can help you look leaner, feel stronger, and even improve your mood by boosting dopamine and serotonin levels.
3. Walking More – 5,000+ Steps Per Day
Weight loss doesn’t have to mean punishing workouts. In fact, we recommend walking daily — not running marathons or slogging through HIIT.
Walking helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol (which are linked to belly fat), supports blood sugar balance, and improves mood. Plus, it’s sustainable — you can do it anywhere, anytime, and it doesn’t wear your body down like extreme cardio can.
We’ve had thousands of clients drop jean sizes just by combining walking with strength training and a few key shifts in their nutrition.
4. Reducing Alcohol Intake
Alcohol is one of the most overlooked factors in stubborn menopause weight gain, but it has a big impact.
Even small amounts can block fat burning for hours, increase belly fat, and disrupt key hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. It also affects sleep quality, which creates a ripple effect across your entire fat-loss journey.
Switching to low-calorie or non-alcoholic options like Lucky Saint beer, Seedlip spirits, or kombucha can help you keep the social side of drinking without sabotaging your progress. You don’t have to go teetotal to see the benefits, but cutting back a few nights a week can make a big difference.
” I wasn’t doing any regular exercise and ate for comfort. I struggled to walk up stairs, hills or just be on my feet for too long. Trinity offered something different to other diets I had tried. I stopped binging, planned my meals so I didn’t have to grab last minute and also invested time in myself. Here I am after 16 weeks with Trinity having lost 2 stone and 10 lbs (17.5 kgs). I have also been out for the day and managed to walk all day, including up some hills which previously I had to stop halfway up and I managed to go up in one go. All of this motivates me to continue.”
– Nicki Bunce (46), Trinity Client
5. Prioritising Sleep and Stress Management
Many women overlook sleep when trying to lose weight, however it’s one of the most powerful fat-burning tools your body has.
When sleep is disrupted (which is common in menopause), hunger hormones like ghrelin go up, while satiety hormones like leptin go down. This makes you hungrier, less satisfied after meals, and more likely to crave sugar and carbs.
Improving sleep hygiene, like reducing screen time at night, managing stress, and creating a wind-down routine, can make it easier to stick to healthy habits, without forcing anything.
Why a Holistic Approach Matters More in Menopause
Weight gain during menopause is influenced by hormones, not just habits. A drop in oestrogen can increase fat storage and make your body more insulin resistant. Stress, poor sleep, and nutrient deficiencies can also contribute — which means a simple jab won’t solve the bigger picture.
That’s where a holistic, hormone-friendly approach comes in.
Focusing on muscle-preserving strength training, high-protein meals, blood sugar balance, and better sleep hygiene helps your body burn fat, build strength, and keep the weight off — without the crash.
The Fit Over 40 Method: A Smarter Long-Term Strategy
Most weight loss plans treat everyone the same, they tell you to eat less, move more, repeat. But that simply doesn’t work for women in their 40s, 50s or 60s dealing with hormonal changes.
At Trinity Transformation, we do things differently.
We understand that menopausal weight gain isn’t your fault. It’s a result of shifting hormones, rising cortisol, insulin resistance, and a slower metabolism — all of which need a targeted, science-backed solution.
That’s why every part of our Fit Over 40 Coaching Programme is tailored to your body, lifestyle and hormone profile. This isn’t a cookie-cutter workout plan or generic meal guide. It’s a personalised system built specifically for the unique challenges women face in midlife.
Yes, injections like Ozempic can help reduce appetite and trigger short-term weight loss. But they don’t solve the real problem — and once you stop taking them, most of the weight returns (often with added muscle loss and metabolic damage).
We don’t offer a quick fix. We offer a lasting transformation.
By combining strength training, balanced nutrition, mindset support, and hormone-friendly strategies, we help you:
- Build muscle to keep metabolism high
- Lower stress hormones that cause belly fat
- Rebalance blood sugar and reduce cravings
- Improve sleep, energy and confidence
- Drop 1–2 dress sizes — and keep it off
Because long-term change doesn’t come from a jab.
It comes from finally working with your body, not against it.
