1,000 Conversations About Menopause, Weight Gain and GLP-1s

Last week we had our biggest ever tasting event, at the Celebrating Women Expo in Darling Harbour, having open conversations with more than a thousand women at our stall.

What really stood out were the common themes. Here are some of the topics we talked about, and a few things you might find useful too.

What Actually Happens Around Menopause

So many of the women we spoke with told us the same thing. They were doing everything they'd always done, eating well, staying active, and still watching their weight shift in a way that felt completely out of their control.

The hormonal changes around perimenopause and menopause affect how the body stores fat and regulates appetite, so the same approach that used to work can sometimes stop working as well. That's a physical shift, not a personal failure.

Clearing Up the GLP-1 Myths

The other topic that came up constantly was confusion around GLP-1 medications, and how much of what's circulating online doesn't always hold up.

You might have heard someone say they're "the easy way out," or that the side effects are unbearable for everyone, or that all the weight comes straight back the moment you stop. Some of this information can be outdated, some can be exaggerated, and some is simply true for one person and not another.

The best way to have a conversation around whether a GLP-1 might be right for you is always to have an individualised conversation with your treating practitioner, understanding the risks and benefits in the context of your own health, and creating a sustainable plan that includes input from any multidisciplinary or supportive team members if appropriate.

As a side note, it's not uncommon to sometimes feel brushed off when it comes to weight management conversations. If you've tried to have one in the past and felt that way, you're not alone, weight stigma still very much exists in our society. The good news is that there are many healthcare providers now upskilling and subspecialising in this area of care, so do keep trying.

A Few Questions We're Often Asked

Does perimenopause always cause weight gain? Not for everyone, but it can be common. Hormonal changes in the years leading up to menopause can change how your body stores fat and regulates appetite, which is why those habits that used to work can stop working as well. It's a physiological shift, not a sign that you're necessarily doing something wrong.

What are some of the most common myths around GLP-1 medications? A few do come up time and time again. That they're an easy shortcut with no effort involved, that everyone experiences severe side effects, and that all the weight returns the moment you stop. In reality, these medications work differently for different people, and they do tend to work well alongside changes to nutrition and lifestyle. Whether one is right for you is always a conversation for your own treating healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of GLP-1 medications? These can vary from person to person. Some might experience nausea or digestive changes, particularly early on, while others may have few side effects at all. If you're currently considering or using a GLP-1 medication, your prescribing practitioner is the right person to talk you through what to expect.

A Few Common Questions We Received About Our Products

What made you create a protein shake? We created the Enlighten Me Shake in collaboration with our patients, after seeing so many people taking GLP-1 medications struggle with a reduced appetite, difficulty tolerating full-sized meals, and gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, nausea and reflux. They asked for something simple, convenient and easy to tolerate. It took some time to get right, and the shake has since been shared on podcasts and at medical conferences, selling out quickly after its very first batch.

Why FODMAP friendly? Our shakes are certified FODMAP Friendly, which means they've been independently lab tested. This can be helpful for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or anyone following a low FODMAP diet. They're also free from inulin and don't contain any artificial sweeteners.

Where did the Enlighten Me protein ball come from? Following the success of the shakes, patients asked for something they could take with them to enjoy protein on the go, for a morning or afternoon tea rather than a full meal. Many of the protein bars and balls already on the market were quite sweet and fruit-based, and left people feeling a little moreish. The Enlighten Me Protein Ball was created to fill that gap.

A Closing Thought

It was wonderful to have so many open conversations with women about health and these topics during the event, share a shake, sample a protein ball, and spend a day together.

This blog provides general information only. For information tailored to your own circumstances, please speak to your own treating practitioner.