Posted October 27th 2025

GLP-1s and Hormones: Why Testosterone Matters for Sustainable Weight Loss

I hear from so many women who are excited about starting GLP-1 therapy. And honestly, I share that excitement! These medications have brought long-overdue attention to obesity and metabolic health, and for many, they’re life-changing.

But here’s what I see too often: people jump into GLP-1s without ever looking at their hormones first.

If your testosterone is low, using GLP-1s is like driving with the parking brake on. Sure, you’ll move forward, but you won’t get nearly as far as you could. And worse, you may lose more than just weight — you could lose precious muscle, energy, and vitality in the process.

GLP-1s alone were never meant to fix everything. They work on appetite, satiety, and blood sugar. But if your hormonal foundation is weak, the results won’t last.

Why GLP-1s Work (and Where They Fall Short)

There’s no question GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide or tirzepatide are powerful tools. They help lower A1c, improve blood sugar control, reduce cardiovascular risks, and, yes, they can produce dramatic weight loss.

But here’s the hidden downside: studies show that 30–40% of the weight lost with GLP-1s can come from muscle, not fat.

And that matters, because muscle is your metabolic engine. It keeps your energy high, supports insulin sensitivity, and protects you from frailty as you age. If you’re losing too much muscle, your weight loss won’t be sustainable — and you’ll feel weaker, not stronger.

That’s where testosterone comes in.

Testosterone: The Missing Link

When people hear “testosterone,” they usually think of men. But women produce testosterone too — in fact, we make more testosterone than estrogen across our lifetime.

Testosterone plays a critical role in:

• Preserving lean muscle
• Boosting energy and motivation
• Supporting insulin sensitivity
• Improving mood and focus
• Protecting bone density
• Enhancing sexual health

Low testosterone is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Without it, weight loss often feels like an uphill battle.

The Synergy Between GLP-1s and Testosterone

Here’s the exciting part: GLP-1s and testosterone don’t just work separately — they actually work better together.

• GLP-1s reduce appetite, stabilize blood sugar, and help you eat less.
• Testosterone preserves muscle, boosts metabolism, and ensures the weight you lose comes from fat — not lean tissue.

Together, they create a powerful synergy. Instead of ending your GLP-1 journey lighter but weaker, you can finish leaner, stronger, and more energized than you’ve been in years.

Recent clinical studies confirm this: men and women using hormone therapy alongside GLP-1s saw greater fat loss, preserved muscle, and improved metabolic health compared to those using GLP-1s alone.

Why Hormones First

Think of it like building a house. GLP-1s are a great remodeling tool, but testosterone is the foundation. Without a solid foundation, the remodel won’t last.

That’s why I always recommend testing hormone levels before starting GLP-1 therapy. If testosterone (or other key hormones) are low, addressing those first sets you up for long-term success. Then, GLP-1 therapy can be layered on strategically to accelerate results.

The outcome? Sustainable fat loss, more energy, better mood, improved sexual health, and stronger protection for your heart and bones.

Final Thoughts

GLP-1s are an incredible advancement, but they’re not the full story. Hormones — especially testosterone — play a huge role in how your body responds.

If you’ve started GLP-1s and feel like something is missing… or if you’re considering them but haven’t had your hormones tested… now is the time to take a deeper look.

You don’t have to choose between weight loss and vitality. With the right approach, you can have both.

👉 Curious about where your hormones stand? At Beautiful You Wellness Clinic, we evaluate hormone health alongside weight loss therapy so you get results that last.