Weight loss drugs when you’re over 50
Robert Price | Last update: 9th August 2025
We’re now in a new era of revolutionary GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy. So what do they really offer for those of us over 50 who want to go on a healthy weight loss journey? Robert Price, SlimrChat founder and former Mounjaro jabber talks us through what we need to be especially mindful of.
For many of us turning 50 brings a fresh chapter in life, and we start to look at things differently. We naturally think much more about lifestyle, health and wellbeing. In fact three-quarters of adults aged 50-65, which is about 10 million people, worry about staying healthy as they age, say Age UK.
The backdrop to that, is that the majority of over 55 year olds in the UK are overweight or obese as measured by BMI. This NHS information shows how challenging it can be for us over 50s to manage our weight. Hormonal shifts, slower metabolism, and changing lifestyles can all have a negative effect. They certainly did for me…
My journey
I’m 57. I can honestly admit that I’ve never really been that happy about my weight. As a teenager I didn’t have confidence about my body shape and appearance. I didn’t let it drag me down as an adult but it was always there in the back of my head. Even when I was fit, healthy and smaller the feeling was still there. I suspect, medically unproven, that I’m one of those people that is just bigger naturally. Last year I had a knee replacement and I decided it was time to make a permanent change. The publicity about GLP-1’s was revving up and I took the plunge on a Mounjaro prescription from Asda Doctor. There’s more on my journey here. I am now nearly 14kg lighter, fit again, diet under control and that voice in my head has faded.
From my journey, here’s a clear and honest look at the benefits, risks and practical tips for older adults considering these new-generation treatments.
More than just weight loss
Prescription only GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Wegovy, and multi-agonists, like Mounjaro, are proven powerful tools for weight loss. The evidence is growing to show the benefits may stretch beyond the scales. This is especially the case for people in midlife and beyond.
Weight loss
Clinical trials show that these medications can help people lose between 5% and 20% of their body weight. That’s a major life-changing shift.
Improving overall health
Weight loss in your 50s and 60s can lead to major health improvements – from better blood pressure and blood sugar control to easing conditions like fatty liver disease or sleep apnoea. I have seen, and so have many SlimrChat users, reduced blood pressure, better sleep and general increases in happiness and energy.
Possible cognitive benefits
Interestingly, some GLP-1 drugs are being studied for their impact beyond weight. Early research on liraglutide (a related medication) suggests it might slow brain shrinkage and reduce cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s. It’s early days but the future looks promising.
Women over 55 do better
A large-scale study found that women over 55 using Wegovy or Mounjaro often outperformed younger users. It’s not just about biology either, it’s about behaviour too – so this research by Imperial College and Voy showed. Older women were more likely to weigh themselves regularly, attend support sessions and stick with coaching plans. This gives them an edge in consistency and motivation.
Addressing menopause symptoms
Menopause can lead to stubborn belly fat and declining muscle mass. These medications may help combat these changes and support better body composition at a time when it’s harder to shift weight through diet alone.
Some women are reporting weight loss also helps ease common symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats. These improvements can be a welcome bonus.
There’s also some emerging information about an increased level of weight loss for women taking HRT treatments and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro). This work was done in San Francisco by the Mayo Clinic.
Claudia Connell, 58 says the drug has been a revelation post menopause:
‘I have yo-yo’d in weight since my mid 30s but once I hit menopause it became increasingly harder to shift it and I was no longer able to drop a dress size on a crash diet, like I used to be able to.
I was incredibly nervous about trying Mounjaro as, in general, I don’t like to take medications, but it was a revelation from the first week. After six months on it I shed 45 pounds and even lost my post menopause belly.
Losing weight after 50 is very hard as your metabolism slows right down but, on Mounjaro, I never felt hungry and never craved fattening foods. I’ve kept the weight off and realise that being post menopausal and overweight do NOT have to go hand in hand.’
Risks: what you should consider over 50
No medication is without risks, we all know this. It’s especially true as we age. It’s essential to understand how these prescription drugs may affect older bodies differently. We strongly recommend you keep your doctor or healthcare provider regularly updated on your jo
urney.
Muscle and bone loss
For every pound lost roughly 25% can be muscle or bone. Since muscle mass and bone density naturally decline with age, older adults need to take extra care to protect their strength and skeletal health while losing weight. Have a look at what Dr Jack Mosley told us here.
Jen Vittanuova, from Jen Vittanuova Medical Aesthetics Clinics, says “Bone health is another thing. We start losing bone density as we age, and rapid weight loss can speed that up. Resistance exercise, calcium and vitamin D are not negotiable.”
Nutrient Gaps
Reduced appetite makes it easier to under-eat, not just in calories, but in key nutrients. Protein, calcium, iron, and B vitamins can all be affected. This is why dietary support is so important. Watch out for our supplements update soon.
Unintended ongoing weight loss
For older users, particularly for the over 70’s, there’s a risk of ongoing, unintended weight loss. While losing excess fat can be a good thing, losing too much weight or becoming underweight can pose real health risks. We recommend keeping a record of your weight loss and key measurements for you and your doctor to monitor.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and fatigue. More serious risks, although rare, include inflammation of the pancreas and gallbladder. These may be more problematic in people with existing health concerns so check in with your doctor before starting.
“If you’ve got heart, kidney or digestive issues, you absolutely need regular check ins with your GP or specialist while you’re on medical weight loss injections. Hydration and fibre supplements will help with the gut side effects too.” adds Jen
Mental health
Some people can see changes in mood, including anxiety, depression. If you’ve ever experienced mental health issues, this is a crucial topic to raise with your healthcare provider before starting.
Dangers of DIY dosing
Online pharmacies and “weight loss clinics” have made it relatively easy to access these drugs, if you meet the prescription criteria. It’s essential to be prescribed by a qualified health professional, start at a low dose, and be monitored throughout treatment.
Jen underlines the risk “Most importantly, don’t get this stuff from some random website or a friend of a friend. I’ve even heard of people getting syringes from their hairdressers in a Tupperware box! You need a proper medical professional who knows your medical history, can prescribe safely and will actually keep an eye on you.”
What else?
They’re not magic!
These medications can make losing weight easier but they’re not magic. Success is far more likely when the jabs are combined with smart eating, regular movement and support.
Lock in those smart habits
- Track your progress: Research shows people who weigh themselves regularly and attend coaching or community support sessions lose more weight than those who don’t. If you don’t fancy sharing your journey make sure you build your own plan to track your progress.
“It would be wrong not to mention the “Ozempic/Mounjaro face” if you lose weight too quickly and it can age your face quicker than anything. Slow and steady is always kinder on your skin, because if you lose weight slowly, your skin will go with you.” says Jen
- Prioritise protein: A 68kg person should aim for at least 68g of protein per day to protect muscle. Take a look at our article on how much protein you need.
- Lift something: Resistance training with weights, resistance bands, or even bags of sugar, or uphill walking, is vital. It’s never too late to start and even light strength work makes a huge difference.
Bottom line
For men and women over 50 weight loss drug treatments can be life changing. The headlines in the media suggest they are a simple shortcut. The reality is different. The best effects come when you combine the drugs with having a plan, changing habits, monitoring progress, being active and, most importantly, keeping your doctor or healthcare provider involved.
For me it’s been a positive experience. I’m fitter, energised, healthy, happy and definitely slimmer.