Is a GLP-1 Right For You? What Women Want to Know About Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Heart Health
From Ozempic to Wegovy, GLP-1 medications are top of mind for many women navigating their heart and metabolic health. Search trends show an influx of people asking: What are the real risks and benefits of GLP-1 medications? Are the side effects worth it? Will this actually help with my heart or just my weight?
And when you do search those questions, the answers can feel all over the place. It’s difficult to grasp the full, comprehensive list of risks and benefits, and how they might apply to your unique situation. Let’s break down what these medicines really do, the risks to know, and what's still missing from most conversations.
First: What do GLP-1s actually do?
GLP-1s (short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. This leads to:
- Lower blood glucose levels
- Reduced appetite
- Slower gastric emptying (you feel fuller for longer)
- Weight loss (often 5-15% of body weight)
But beyond these, emerging research shows heart-protective benefits as well*. GLP-1s may:
- Lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Reduce inflammation
- Reverse or improve fatty liver disease
- Improve sleep apnea symptoms
- Slow the progression of chronic kidney disease
For women managing heart disease, obesity, or menopause-related metabolic changes, these aren’t just “nice-to-haves,” they’re real, measurable improvements. For more on how GLP-1s help prevent heart disease, click here.
What about the risks?
Most side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, bloating, and tend to improve over time. Rare side effects include gallbladder issues or thyroid concerns. But there’s no universal experience. For women especially, symptoms and risk factors can differ and are often underrepresented in clinical trials. That’s why it’s critical to get personalized guidance from clinicians who understand your cardiovascular needs before you start your GLP-1 journey.
GLP-1s aren’t a shortcut – they’re a support tool
These medications don’t replace healthy habits - they work best alongside:
- A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet
- Physical activity (even gentle walking)
- Sleep, stress management, and emotional support
- Ongoing monitoring (e.g., cholesterol, liver, insulin, hormone levels)
Building the right routines around your medication can help turn it into a catalyst, not a crutch.
Final Take: Should you start a GLP-1?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For some women, a GLP-1 can be transformational - not just for weight loss, but for improving blood sugar, cholesterol, and even heart function. For others, the timing, risks, or costs may outweigh the benefits. These medications work gradually - it can take weeks, even months to see the full effects. Without lifestyle changes and adequate support, many experience rebound effects and weight gain. Yet, with most primary care visits lasting 15 minutes or less, there’s rarely enough time to fully explore the real questions and concerns you might have about GLP-1s.
That’s where Systole comes in.
At Systole, we offer 60-minute appointments focused on women’s cardiovascular and metabolic health. We’ll evaluate the full picture: symptoms, labs, risk factors, and goals, then give you the space to ask questions and walk away with a plan for your heart, metabolism, and lifestyle - with or without medication.
Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already prescribed a GLP-1, we’re here to help. Book your visit today and get empowered to make the right decision for you.
*Kittleson, M, Benjamin, E, Blumer, V. et al. 2025 ACC Scientific Statement on the Management of Obesity in Adults With Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology. JACC. null2025, 0 (0) . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.05.008
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.