Recent research reveals that up to 65% of older adults stop taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy within the first year, despite initial weight loss.

For Australian women over 50, the reasons are sobering: debilitating side effects, unsustainable costs, dangerous muscle loss, and rapid weight regain.

If you’re considering these medications or have already started and stopped, understanding why so many women are walking away could save you time, money, and your metabolic health.

The Alarming Truth About GLP-1 Discontinuation Rates

A comprehensive study published in JAMA Cardiology found that among Americans over 65 with diabetes, approximately 60% discontinued semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) within just one year.

For those without diabetes using these medications purely for weight loss, the dropout rate was even higher at nearly 65%.

What makes this particularly relevant for Australian women in their 50s and 60s is that older adults were 20 to 30% more likely than younger people to stop the medications and less likely to restart them.

Why This Matters for Australian Women Over 50

One in five women aged 50-64 have tried GLP-1 injectables, making this the demographic most affected by these discontinuation patterns.

With the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) still not covering these medications for weight loss (only for diabetes management), Australian women face the same cost barriers plus additional concerns unique to our life stage.

The Five Main Reasons Women Over 50 Are Stopping GLP-1 Medications

1. Debilitating Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Research shows that up to 20% of patients experience significant gastrointestinal problems including nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhoea.

For women in midlife who are already managing hormonal changes and digestive sensitivity, these side effects can be particularly severe.

Linda Burghardt, a 79-year-old researcher, tried Wegovy hoping it might reduce arthritis pain in her knees and hips. Within a month, she experienced severe stomach upset that “went on for hours.”

She described the experience: “I was crying on the bathroom floor.” She stopped the medication immediately.

For women who have responsibilities at work, caring for aging parents, or managing households, unpredictable gastrointestinal distress simply isn’t sustainable.

2. Dangerous Muscle Loss During Menopause

Here’s what many doctors aren’t telling you: between 35 to 45% of weight loss on GLP-1 medications isn’t fat. It’s lean mass, which includes muscle and bone.

This is particularly concerning for women over 50 who are already losing muscle mass due to hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.

Research shows we naturally lose half a percent to 1% of muscle mass per year during the ageing process. On GLP-1 medications, this process accelerates dramatically.

Bill Colbert, a 78-year-old who loved medieval combat re-enactment, started on Mounjaro to manage blood glucose. He lost 18 pounds in two months, but reported: “You could almost see the muscles melting away.” Feeling too weak to continue his beloved hobby, he discontinued the drug.

For women concerned about maintaining strength, preventing falls, and preserving bone density through menopause, this muscle loss creates serious long-term health risks including frailty, falls, and fractures.

3. Unsustainable Costs Without PBS Coverage

In the study, nearly half of patients who discontinued GLP-1 medications cited cost or insurance issues as the primary reason.

While American Medicare doesn’t cover these drugs for weight loss, the situation in Australia is similar.

Without PBS coverage for obesity treatment, Australian women pay between $350 to $450 per month for these medications. Over a year, that’s $4,200 to $5,400. Over two years (the minimum time most doctors recommend), you’re looking at $8,400 to $10,800.

Even more concerning? These medications require lifelong use. Stop taking them, and the weight returns.

One woman interviewed had Medicare coverage initially, paying just $25 monthly. When her plan stopped covering the medication, the cost jumped to over $1,000 per month, forcing her to discontinue.

4. The Rebound Effect: Weight Returns When You Stop

Research published in eClinicalMedicine found that up to 70% of people who stop GLP-1 medications regain the weight they lost.

This metabolic rebound occurs because these drugs suppress appetite rather than heal the underlying metabolic dysfunction.

Dr John Batsis, a geriatrician and obesity specialist, warned: “If weight goes up and down, up and down, metabolically it sets people up for functional decline down the road.”

For women who have invested thousands of dollars and endured months of side effects, watching the weight return can be devastating both financially and emotionally.

5. The Realisation: This Isn’t Healing, It’s Dependency

Many women reach a sobering conclusion: GLP-1 medications create lifelong dependency without addressing why their metabolism stopped working properly in the first place.

These medications work by mimicking hormones that reduce appetite and slow digestion.

They don’t restore hormonal balance. They don’t address insulin resistance. They don’t heal inflammation. They don’t replenish depleted nutrients.

They simply suppress symptoms whilst your body’s underlying imbalances continue.

For intelligent, capable women who want to understand what’s happening in their bodies and take genuine control of their health, this dependency feels deeply unsatisfying.

What’s Really Happening in Your Body After 50?

As a naturopath who specialises in metabolic health for women over 40, I can tell you that stubborn weight gain in midlife is rarely about willpower or portion sizes. It’s a metabolic problem that requires a metabolic solution.

During perimenopause and menopause, several profound shifts occur:

Hormonal changes affect how your body processes and stores energy, particularly around your midsection.

Declining oestrogen impacts insulin sensitivity, making it harder for cells to use glucose effectively.

Inflammation increases as oestrogen’s protective effects diminish. Chronic low-grade inflammation interferes with leptin signalling (your satiety hormone) and promotes insulin resistance.

Thyroid function often slows even when blood tests appear “normal.”

Your thyroid is intimately connected to your metabolic rate, and even subclinical changes can make weight loss extraordinarily difficult.

Stress and cortisol take a greater toll. If you’re caring for aging parents, managing work demands, or dealing with sleep disruption, chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated, which promotes belly fat storage.

Nutrient depletion becomes common. Years of dieting, stress, and normal ageing deplete the specific vitamins and minerals your metabolism needs to function optimally.

These are the real reasons your body is holding onto weight. And suppressing your appetite with injections doesn’t address a single one of them.

The Metabolic Balance Difference: Healing, Not Just Suppressing

I’ve worked with over 240 women through the Metabolic Balance programme, and many came to me after trying or considering GLP-1 medications.

What they discovered is that there’s a fundamentally different approach available.

Personalised Nutrition Based on Your Unique Biochemistry

Rather than using the same medication for everyone, Metabolic Balance creates a nutrition plan based on your individual blood chemistry.

We analyse 36+ blood markers to understand exactly which whole foods will support your specific metabolic needs.

This isn’t about restriction or willpower. It’s about nourishing your body with the precise foods that allow your metabolism to function as it should.

You Keep Your Muscle Mass

Because Metabolic Balance focuses on whole-food nutrition with adequate protein and encourages gentle movement, you preserve precious muscle tissue whilst releasing fat.

This is crucial for women over 50 who need to maintain strength, bone density, and metabolic rate.

Research on the Metabolic Balance programme showed that 62.5% of participants achieved more than 5% weight loss at 12 months, and 31.1% achieved more than 10% weight loss.

Importantly, 68% remained adherent to the programme after one year, with significant improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure, quality of life, sleep quality, energy levels, and mental health.

One Investment, Lasting Results

The Metabolic Balance programme is a one-time investment of $1,695 (including initial consultation, blood tests, and seven coaching sessions).

Compare this to $8,400+ for two years of injections that you’ll need to continue indefinitely.

More importantly, you’re learning how to nourish your body properly. Once you understand your metabolic blueprint, you have that knowledge for life.

You’re not dependent on a medication or a monthly prescription.

Addressing Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms

Through comprehensive naturopathic assessment, we identify the underlying factors contributing to your weight gain: hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, stress patterns, and sleep disruption.

We then address these systematically using personalised nutrition, targeted nutritional support when needed, and lifestyle modifications that actually fit into your real life.

Real Results from Real Women Over 50

Katrina’s Story: No Longer Needs Thyroid Medication

Katrina came to me struggling with hypothyroidism and taking Thyroxine medication. She’d tried numerous approaches without success.

Over almost a year on Metabolic Balance, she lost 12kg and kept it off. Her energy returned completely – she described it as her body having “a reboot.”

Most remarkably, she no longer needs her Thyroxine medication. Her thyroid function restored naturally through proper nutrition.

Janine’s Unexpected Win: Off Reflux Medication Too

Janine couldn’t lose weight for 30 years despite being hypothyroid and trying everything. Through Metabolic Balance, she lost 13kg and 29cm.

She discovered that the intense exercise she’d been doing was actually stressing her body further. Once she adjusted her approach, everything changed.

She no longer needs her anti-reflux medication, and her cholesterol and blood pressure have both reduced to healthy levels.

Renee: Three Years Later, Still Thriving

Renee came to me in her late 30s looking pregnant from bloating, with low energy requiring afternoon naps. She had hypothyroidism and we discovered Hashimoto’s disease.

In 12 weeks, she lost 11.5kg. Her sleep improved, she felt hormonally balanced, and she even shaved 2 minutes off her 5km run time. Three years later, she’s still a client and regularly refers other women to the practice.

These women didn’t just lose weight. They restored their metabolic health, came off medications, gained energy, improved their sleep, and learned how to nourish their bodies properly.

This is healing, not just symptom suppression.

The Questions You Should Ask Before Starting Any Weight-Loss Approach

Whether you’re considering GLP-1 medications or any other weight-loss programme, here are the essential questions to ask:

Will this preserve my muscle mass? For women over 50, maintaining muscle is critical for metabolic health, bone density, and functional independence.

Does this address why I gained weight in the first place? If it only suppresses appetite without correcting hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or inflammation, you’ll likely regain the weight when you stop.

Can I sustain this financially? Calculate the real cost over two to five years. Is this sustainable, or will you be forced to stop due to cost?

Will this work with my life? Severe nausea, unpredictable gastrointestinal issues, and the “bathroom floor crying” experiences described by GLP-1 users aren’t compatible with work responsibilities, caring for family, or enjoying life.

Am I building knowledge and independence, or creating dependency? Are you learning about your body and gaining tools for lifelong health, or will you need this intervention indefinitely?

What happens when I stop? Is there an exit strategy, or will stopping mean rapid weight regain and metabolic decline?

What the Research Actually Shows About Sustainable Weight Loss

The Metabolic Balance clinical study, published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, followed 481 participants over 12 months. The results speak for themselves:

• 62.5% achieved more than 5% body weight loss at 12 months
• 31.1% achieved more than 10% body weight loss at 12 months
• Programme adherence remained at 68% after one year (compared to 35-40% for GLP-1s)
• Significant improvements in triglycerides, cholesterol ratios, and blood pressure
• Substantial improvements in health-related quality of life, particularly mental health
• Better sleep quality and energy levels
• Reduction in metabolic syndrome markers

These improvements occurred through personalised whole-food nutrition, not medication.

And participants maintained these results because they were healing their metabolism, not suppressing it.

The Science + Soul Approach to Lasting Weight Loss

What makes my approach different is that I combine clinical naturopathy with genuine understanding of the emotional and metaphysical aspects of health.

The Science: Comprehensive blood testing (36+ markers), evidence-based nutrition protocols, naturopathic assessment of tongue, nails, facial signs, and thorough review of symptoms and health history. I look beyond “normal” ranges to what’s actually optimal for your body.

The Soul: NLP and hypnotherapy for addressing emotional eating patterns and self-sabotage. Understanding of stress, nervous system regulation, and the mind-body connection. Recognising that you’re not just a collection of symptoms but a whole person deserving of care, attention, and genuine support.

This combination allows me to address not just what you’re eating, but why you might be struggling to follow through, how stress affects your choices, and what emotional patterns might be keeping you stuck.

Is Metabolic Balance Right for You?

This programme is perfect for you if:

• You’re a woman over 40 struggling with stubborn weight that won’t shift despite your efforts
• You’re tired of being told “your bloods are normal” when you clearly don’t feel well
• You want to understand what’s actually happening in your body
• You’re ready to invest in learning how to nourish your unique metabolism properly
• You value personalised support and coaching, not just a PDF meal plan
• You’re looking for sustainable results, not another quick fix
• You’re willing to commit to the process and trust professional guidance
• You want to feel energised, sleep well, and regain confidence in your body

However, this programme might not be right for you if:

• You’re looking for a magic wand or overnight transformation
• You want to “do this for a month then go back to normal”
• You’re not willing to cook or eat whole foods
• You’re resistant to making sustainable habit changes
• You want results without active participation

What Happens Next: Your Journey to Metabolic Healing

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This actually makes sense. I want to understand what’s happening in my body and address the real problem,” here’s how we begin:

Step 1: Free 15-Minute Discovery Call

We’ll have a brief conversation where I listen to your health concerns and determine if Metabolic Balance is appropriate for your situation.

This is a no-pressure conversation where you can ask questions and see if we’re a good fit.

Step 2: Initial Naturopathic Consultation (90 minutes, $140)

We’ll take a comprehensive health history, discuss your symptoms in detail, review any existing blood work, and conduct naturopathic assessments.

I’ll organise your comprehensive blood testing (36+ markers, $159) and we’ll take initial measurements and set realistic goals together.

Step 3: Your Personalised Metabolic Balance Programme ($1,396)

Once we have your blood results, I’ll create your personalised nutrition plan based on your unique biochemistry.

You’ll receive seven 45-minute coaching sessions (weekly initially, then fortnightly, then three-weekly as your confidence builds), access to the Metabolic Balance app, private Facebook group support, and ongoing email support between consultations.

Payment plans available to make this investment manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Metabolic Balance different from GLP-1 medications like Ozempic?

Metabolic Balance heals your metabolism through personalised nutrition based on your blood chemistry, whilst GLP-1s suppress appetite without addressing underlying causes. Metabolic Balance preserves muscle mass, costs significantly less over time, doesn’t require lifelong dependency, and has no dangerous side effects. Most importantly, you’re building knowledge and independence, not creating pharmaceutical dependency.

Will I lose weight as quickly as I would on Ozempic?

Initial weight loss may be slower than GLP-1s (which artificially suppress appetite), but it’s sustainable and healthy. Research shows 62.5% of Metabolic Balance participants achieve more than 5% weight loss at 12 months, with 68% still adherent after one year. Compare this to 60-65% of GLP-1 users who discontinue within a year and typically regain the weight. Slow, steady progress that you maintain is far superior to rapid loss followed by rebound.

I’m on thyroid medication. Can I still do Metabolic Balance?

Absolutely. In fact, many of my clients have thyroid conditions, and some (like Katrina) have been able to come off their thyroid medication entirely under medical supervision. As a certified Thyroid Recovery Practitioner, I have specific expertise in supporting women with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. We’ll work alongside your GP and monitor your thyroid function throughout the programme.

What if I’ve already tried Ozempic or Wegovy and stopped?

You’re not alone. Up to 65% of people over 50 stop these medications within a year. The good news is that Metabolic Balance can help restore the metabolic health that may have been compromised by GLP-1 use, particularly if you experienced muscle loss. We’ll focus on rebuilding your metabolism, preserving muscle mass, and creating sustainable results through proper nutrition.

How much does Metabolic Balance cost compared to weight-loss injections?

Metabolic Balance is a one-time investment of $1,695 (including consultation, blood tests, and coaching). Compare this to GLP-1 medications which cost $350-450 monthly ($4,200-5,400 yearly) and require lifelong use. Over two years, injections cost $8,400-10,800 versus a one-time investment that gives you knowledge and tools for life.

I’m in perimenopause/menopause. Will this work for my hormonal situation?

This is precisely what I specialise in. Perimenopause and menopause create unique metabolic challenges due to changing hormone levels, and conventional approaches often fail because they don’t account for these changes. Metabolic Balance, combined with my naturopathic and hormonal expertise, addresses the specific needs of midlife women. Many clients report improvements not just in weight, but in sleep, energy, mood, and hormonal symptoms.

What kind of support do I get?

You’ll receive seven one-on-one coaching sessions with me (45 minutes each), email support between sessions, access to the Metabolic Balance app with your personalised plan, private Facebook group access, goal-setting exercises, mindset coaching for emotional eating and self-sabotage patterns, and guided meditations. This is high-touch, personalised support throughout your journey.

Can I do this via telehealth if I’m not in South Australia?

Yes! I work with women throughout Australia via Zoom or phone consultations. Blood tests can be arranged at your local pathology collection centre. The only difference is we don’t meet in person, but the programme and support are identical.

The Choice Is Yours: Dependency or Independence?

You’re at a crossroads. One path leads to monthly injections, unpredictable side effects, muscle loss, financial dependency, and likely weight regain when you stop. The other path leads to understanding your unique metabolism, nourishing your body properly, building sustainable habits, and genuine healing.

I can’t make this decision for you. But I can tell you that the women I work with consistently tell me they wish they’d found this approach sooner. They wish they hadn’t wasted years on diets that don’t work, medications with terrible side effects, or programmes that treated them like a number rather than a unique individual.

If you’re tired of quick fixes that don’t last, if you’re ready to understand what’s really happening in your body, and if you’re prepared to invest in genuine metabolic healing, then I invite you to take the first step.

Book your free 15-minute discovery call today. Let’s have an honest conversation about whether Metabolic Balance is right for you. No pressure, no sales pitch—just a genuine discussion about your health and your options.

Because you deserve to feel well. You deserve to understand your body. And you deserve real, lasting results.

About Jeannette Scapens

Jeannette Scapens is a qualified naturopath (Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy), certified Metabolic Balance Coach (distinction, 2018), certified Thyroid Recovery Practitioner, and NLP practitioner and hypnotherapist.

• Accredited Member: Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) #27097
• Practice Location: Seaview Downs, South Australia | Telehealth available Australia-wide
• Contact: Book your free 15-minute discovery call

References

1. Loftus, P. & Abelson, R. (2025). Older Americans Quit Weight-Loss Drugs in Droves. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com
2. JAMA Cardiology Study (2025). Discontinuation rates of semaglutide among Americans over 65 with diabetes. Approximately 60% discontinued within one year.
3. Dr. Emanuel, E. (University of Pennsylvania). Study of 125,474 people with overweight or obesity found 47% with Type 2 diabetes and 65% without diabetes stopped taking GLP-1s within a year.
4. Anderson, T. (2025). Editorial about anti-obesity medications. JAMA Internal Medicine.
5. Liu, Z. (University of Virginia). Research on effects of weight loss drugs showing 35-45% of weight loss is lean mass (muscle and bone), not fat.
6. Cleveland Clinic Study (2025). Nearly half of patients who discontinued semaglutide or tirzepatide cited cost or insurance issues.
7. Tzang, C.C., et al. (2025). Metabolic rebound after GLP-1 receptor agonist discontinuation: 70% weight regain. eClinicalMedicine, 90, 103680.
8. Meffert, H. & Gerdes, N. (2010). Program Adherence and Effectiveness of a Commercial Nutrition Program: The Metabolic Balance Study. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. Study of 481 participants showing 62.5% achieved >5% weight loss at 12 months, with 68% programme adherence after one year.
9. RAND Corporation (2025). New Weight Loss Drugs: GLP-1 Agonist Use and Side Effects. Up to 20% experience gastrointestinal problems.
10. One in five women aged 50-64 have used GLP-1 injectables (2025 market research data).