Ep. 64 GLP-1s at Midlife: What You Really Need to Know with Nurse Practitioner Amy Wrenn

If you’ve been hearing the buzz about Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound and wondering what’s fact, what’s hype, and whether these so-called “diet shots” are really for you — this week’s episode of Insights From the Couch is a must listen. In Episode 64, we sit down with nurse practitioner Amy Wrenn, a women’s health and metabolic expert who’s been on the front lines of the GLP-1 conversation. Amy brings over twenty years in medicine — from OB-GYN to integrative health — and now trains other providers on hormone therapy, peptides, and weight-loss medications. Her mission? To close the gap between what women need at midlife and what the medical system still doesn’t teach providers.

The Science Behind the Shots

GLP-1s (short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) mimic a hormone our own bodies already make — one that sends “I’m full” and “I’m balanced” messages from the gut to the brain. At midlife, falling estrogen can make that messaging system glitch. The result: insulin resistance, stubborn weight gain, and metabolic frustration even when nothing about your diet or exercise routine has changed. GLP-1s essentially “turn the lights back on” so your body can process sugar, fat, and hunger signals more effectively. As Amy explains, these medications aren’t shortcuts or vanity fixes — they’re tools for metabolic health, reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and even supporting heart, liver, and brain health.

Why Midlife Women Are Turning to GLP-1s

Many women hit their 40s and 50s shocked by a suddenly unresponsive metabolism. They’ve “done everything right” — eaten clean, counted macros, lived in the gym — and still feel betrayed by their bodies. Amy’s take is both compassionate and empowering: “These aren’t lazy people. These are women who’ve tried everything. Their brains just aren’t getting the hormonal message anymore.”For those who meet medical criteria, GLP-1s can help restore that connection — not just to body cues, but to confidence and vitality. In her practice, Amy has seen clients reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, improve inflammation markers, and, most importantly, feel like themselves again.

Safety, Side Effects, and the Social-Media Minefield

Amy is quick to draw a line between medical use and internet fads. Never buy GLP-1s from TikTok links or “wellness” influencers. Many of those so-called vials are made in labs, not licensed pharmacies, and may literally say “not for human use.” She distinguishes between:- FDA-approved brand medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound)- Legitimate compounded versions from certified pharmacies, and dangerous counterfeit products circulating online. Side effects like nausea, constipation, or temporary low energy are common early on — which is why she stresses a “go low, go slow” approach under medical supervision. Prioritizing protein, staying hydrated, and avoiding high-fat “keto bombs” can make the adjustment smoother.

The Bigger Picture: Hormones, Strength, and Longevity

One of Amy’s key messages is that weight loss alone isn’t the goal — health optimization is. The best outcomes, she says, come when GLP-1 therapy is paired with: bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT), resistance training, and whole-food nutrition. Together, these help preserve muscle, protect bones and heart health, and reduce the risk of metabolic and cognitive decline. For many women, it’s the formula that finally brings energy, clarity, and stability back online.

Should You Stay on GLP-1s Forever?

Not necessarily, but you can. Amy emphasizes that some women use these medications short-term (6–18 months) while building sustainable habits; others with chronic insulin resistance or obesity may need ongoing treatment. Her philosophy: “You’re not renting your results. You’re investing in your health.”For those who taper off, she recommends continuing the movement, mindset, and nutrition changes established while on the medication — and maintaining a “red-flag” weight range to know when to check back in.

Reframing the Narrative

What’s perhaps most refreshing about Amy’s perspective is her rejection of shame and judgment around these medications. Midlife women deserve options, not eye rolls — and health care providers who understand the nuances of hormones, metabolism, and modern life. As Colette puts it, “This isn’t about chasing thinness. It’s about feeling good, strong, and alive in your own body again.”

Where to Learn More

You can follow Amy Wrenn, NP on Instagram @np_wrenn for practical education on hormone health, peptides, and evidence-based weight-loss medicine. And to keep learning about how to thrive — not just survive — at midlife, listen to the full conversation on Insights From the Couch wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to

Listen Now: Episode 64: GLP-1 Medications at Midlife with Amy Wrenn