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Why Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Are Changing Weight Loss for Women
- Dr Titilayo Akinsola
- Nov 3
- 4 min read
Introduction
For many women, weight-management is not simply about diet and exercise — unique biological, hormonal, metabolic and psychosocial factors can make it more complex. Enter two medications — semaglutide and tirzepatide — that are dramatically reshaping what’s possible in weight-loss therapy, especially for women. At Favor Mental Health we believe in evidence-informed, context-sensitive care. In this post, we’ll explore how these medications work, why they may be particularly impactful for women, what to watch out for, and how we help clients navigate their use in a holistic mind-body plan.
How These Medications Work – Mechanisms of Action
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone which is involved in regulating appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and improving insulin sensitivity. (MedClinRese)
Through these mechanisms it helps reduce hunger, decrease portion size, increase feelings of fullness, and support weight-loss over time.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide takes things further: it is a dual agonist on both the GLP-1 receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. (NCBI)
The dual = greater weight-loss potential. Studies show it reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, improves metabolic regulation, and enhances fat-oxidation (in early research).
A meta-analysis found tirzepatide achieved significantly greater weight-reduction than semaglutide in head-to-head comparisons. (PubMed)
Why Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Are Especially Game-Changers for Women
1. Women may respond more strongly
One observational summary reports that women experienced about 6 % greater weight-loss than men on GLP-1 and similar drugs. (PNW Medical Group)
Because many weight-loss medications show smaller effect in women (often due to hormonal/metabolic complexity), seeing a stronger response is of particular relevance.
2. Addressing weight-plateaus & hormonal/metabolic resistance
Women often face hormonal fluctuations (menstrual/premenopause/menopause) which affect weight, fat-distribution, appetite and metabolism.
These drugs — by affecting appetite, fullness, insulin sensitivity and fat-oxidation — offer a powerful tool when lifestyle change has plateaued.
For example, real-world evidence with semaglutide or tirzepatide in populations without diabetes showed an average weight‐loss of ~14.1 % with semaglutide and ~16.5 % with tirzepatide after 1 year. (Majority female in the cohort)
3. Impact on self-esteem, emotional weight-burden & mood
For many women, weight challenges are tied to mood, self-image, body-image distress, hormonal mood swings. Achieving meaningful weight-loss can have ripple benefits on mood/anxiety/emotional balance.
At Favor Mental Health we emphasise how this intersection matters: combining mental-health treatment + metabolic/weight treatment.
What to Be Aware of — Safety, Expectations & Context
Expectation-Management
These medications are tools, not magic pills. They work best when combined with lifestyle change (nutrition, movement, sleep, stress-management).
Weight-loss may be substantial: e.g., over 1 year reductions in the 14-20 % range. For women this may translate into 10-30 kg depending on starting weight.
The rate of weight-loss may slow after initial months as body adapts — so ongoing lifestyle support is crucial.
Safety & Special Considerations for Women
While these drugs are approved for weight-management and/or diabetes, not all usage scenarios (especially fertility/pregnancy) are fully studied. For example, concern about use of semaglutide in women trying to conceive has been flagged. (The Sun)
Possible side-effects: GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, constipation), changes in appetite, potential cost/access issues, need for medical supervision.
Because women often have other conditions (PCOS, hormonal dysregulation, thyroid disorders) the metabolic baseline must be assessed (thyroid, insulin resistance, menstrual cycle, etc.).
Cost, Access & Holistic Context
These medications can be expensive and accessibility may vary by region (important for Lagos/Nigeria context).
They are most effective when embedded in a whole-person plan, not “take the injection and leave the rest”.
The mind-body link: weight-loss often improves mood/energy/self-agency, and improved mood supports behavioural change and adherence.
How Favor Mental Health Supports You Through This Process
At Favor Mental Health we incorporate these medications into a broader, personalised treatment ecosystem.
Initial Assessment & Baseline
Review your weight history, lifestyle, hormonal/metabolic factors (PCOS, insulin-resistance, menopause, thyroid), mood/anxiety history.
Discuss your weight-loss goals, expectations, prior attempts, emotional/contextual factors.
Medication Consultation & Coordination
We collaborate (or refer) for evaluation of suitability: Are semaglutide or tirzepatide appropriate given your health profile?
We map out what you might reasonably expect (e.g., 10-20 % weight loss over 12 months), discuss cost/access, side-effects, lifestyle integration.
Lifestyle & Mental-Health Integrative Plan
While medication works on physiology, we run parallel supportive tracks: nutrition strategy (especially for women’s hormonal context), movement plan, sleep/stress intervention, psychotherapy for body-image/mood/anxiety.
We support you in monitoring: weight/waist, hunger/appetite changes, mood and mental-health metrics (energy, self-esteem, anxiety).
Regular follow-ups: we review how you’re responding to medication + how lifestyle/mental-health supports are working. Adjust plan as needed.
Long-Term Maintenance & Relapse Prevention
Weight-loss is one phase; maintenance is another. We prepare for plateau phases, adjust behavioral supports, address possible rebound.
We help you integrate the change into your identity, habits, environment so the medication is part of a sustainable ecosystem.
Conclusion
Semaglutide and tirzepatide represent a major shift in what’s possible for weight-loss — especially for women facing hormonal, metabolic and psychosocial complexity. But the real transformation comes when these medications are embedded in a holistic treatment framework that honours your mind, your body and your life purpose. At Favor Mental Health we believe you deserve more than hope — you deserve a clear, evidence-based roadmap, tailored to your story. Book an appointment today.
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