Rachel Morris
Kathleen Jordan, MD
- Midlife weight gain can creep on slowly, or seem to show up overnight. Some women aren’t bothered by it, while others may want to lose added pounds, whether to improve their health or just to avoid a dreaded trip to buy new jeans.
- Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Originally developed for managing type-2 diabetes, GLP-1s have been shown to be incredibly effective for long-term weight management.
- Research shows that those who take semaglutide lose about 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks. For someone who weighs 200 pounds, that’s a weight loss of 30 pounds.
- Compounded semaglutide works best when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise. To help you reach your goals, your Midi clinician will support you with advice on the lifestyle changes that are best for you
Midlife weight gain can creep on slowly, or seem to show up overnight. Some women aren’t bothered by it, while others may want to lose added pounds, whether to improve their health or just to avoid a dreaded trip to buy new jeans. We’re all for self-acceptance, but if you do want to actively manage your weight during midlife, Midi can help.
We know that midlife weight loss is hard, and that's why we tap a holistic range of solutions, ranging from targeted lifestyle changes to supplements and prescription medications—including the new weight loss medications getting so much attention right now. The simple reason we prescribe weight loss meds? They’re proven to help patients reach their weight goals.
Unfortunately, these prescriptions aren’t always covered by insurance, putting the treatment out of reach for many. At Midi, we strongly believe women should have access to medications that can help address midlife symptoms, including weight gain. That’s why we now prescribe compounded semaglutide.
Containing the same active ingredient as brand-name semaglutide medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy®, Midi’s compounded semaglutide can be a more affordable, accessible option for weight loss. And for women who haven’t been able to get the scale to budge, compounded semaglutide can be a game changer. Because so often, it’s not you, your workouts, your diet, or your willpower that’s to blame for midlife weight gain. It’s your hormones.
Wondering if compounded semaglutide medication could be right for you? Read on for answers to top questions about compounded semaglutide’s benefits, side effects, and safety must-knows.
Book a Midi visit to learn more and get a compounded semaglutide prescription, if the medication is right for you.*
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Originally developed for managing type-2 diabetes, GLP-1s have been shown to be incredibly effective for long-term weight management. Research shows that those who take semaglutide lose about 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks. For someone who weighs 200 pounds, that’s a weight loss of 30 pounds.
How does compounded semaglutide help with weight loss?
For many women, the “eat less, move more” weight-loss advice from their doctors just doesn’t cut it. Estrogen helps to curb appetite, so when levels start dropping during menopause, you may feel hungrier, making it harder to maintain your weight or drop pounds easily. On top of that, other menopause symptoms, including poor sleep and mood changes, can mess with appetite hormones and lead to increased calorie intake.
Compounded semaglutide helps by mimicking a hormone naturally produced in the body that tames appetite. It also helps quiet food cravings and food noise, those constant thoughts about food (what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat) that can throw off your choices, and take up way too much mental space. This effect has been shown to help people eat less and steadily lose pounds. Additionally, compounded semaglutide slows down the digestion process after meals, which can help people feel fuller, longer.
Compounded semaglutide works best when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise. To help you reach your goals, your Midi clinician will support you with advice on the lifestyle changes that are best for you (how to include strength training in your workout routine or work more protein into your meals, for example).
What’s the difference between brand name semaglutide and compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide and brand-name semaglutide (like Ozempic® and Wegovy®) contain the same active ingredient, but compounded semaglutide can be more accessible and often more affordable.
Patients interested in brand name semaglutide medications may face major hurdles—their insurance coverage doesn’t cover it, there’s a shortage, they can’t seem to qualify. And research shows that Black, Asian, and Hispanic adults are less likely to be prescribed weight-loss medication despite having an increased risk of type-2 diabetes. To ensure that all patients have access to reliable and effective treatment, we offer compounded semaglutide at a lower cost, with reliable supply.
Your safety and health is our top priority, especially with concerns about the recent rise in fake GLP-1 medication. That’s why we selected a reputable, strictly regulated pharmacy. Our pharmacy conducts third-party testing, which means that their products are inspected for quality by an organization not involved with the pharmacy. Our pharmacy is also certified to provide sterile compounding, so you don’t need to worry about contaminated medication.
Even if your insurance does cover brand-name semaglutide, medication shortages can affect the availability of your prescription. If this happens to you, let your Midi clinician know. They can help prescribe Midi’s compounded semaglutide in the meantime to ensure you stay on track with your weight-loss progress.
Does compounded semaglutide have any other benefits?
Taking GLP-1 medication has been shown to lower the risk of developing 10 obesity-related cancers, including ovarian, kidney, liver, endometrial, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.
“This comes on top of a number of other recent studies that show GLP-1s reduce inflammation and the risk of heart attack and stroke while also helping with impulsive behaviors, alcohol intake, and smoking cessation,” says Dr. Kathleen Jordan, Midi’s Chief Medical Officer. “So when women ask me what else GLP-1s can do for them, I tell them that the medication can do a lot!”
Is compounded semaglutide safe?
Semaglutide is generally considered safe for most people when used as prescribed. However, like any medication, it may not be suitable for everyone. Your Midi clinician will review your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have before prescribing semaglutide.
Common side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, belching and gas, feeling bloated, constipation, and heartburn. While rare, vomiting may occur. These side effects often improve with adjusted dosing and over time, and your Midi clinician will partner with you to help you feel your best throughout your weight-loss journey.
Do I need to be on compounded semaglutide permanently in order to maintain my weight loss?
Research shows that some people can maintain their weight loss after coming off the medication, while others need ongoing, but often lower or intermittent, dosing. Once you reach your goal weight, your Midi clinician will partner with you to figure out the best maintenance plan. This may or may not include coming off compounded semaglutide medication.
What else should I know about Midi’s compounded semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide isn’t a “quick fix” solution—and at Midi, we strongly believe in safe, sustainable weight loss. Remember that patience pays off in real ways for your long term health, because even modest weight loss can decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and many more challenges. It’s not about getting thinner, faster, but about ensuring you live healthier, stronger, and longer.
Book a Midi visit to learn more and find out if compounded semaglutide is right for you.
Testimonials: Women Share Their Experience with Midi Weight Management
If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and want guidance from clinicians who specialize in women’s midlife health, book a virtual visit with Midi today.
Hormonal change is at the root of dozens of symptoms women experience in the years before and after their period stops.
Our trained menopause specialists can help you connect the dots to guide you towards safe, effective solutions.
Whether you need personalized guidance or a prescription routine to tackle symptoms—including brain fog, hot flashes, sleep trouble, mood swings, and weight gain—we’ve got you covered. Learn more here.
*Compounded semaglutide is not approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality by the FDA. Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Ozempic ® (semaglutide) are not compounded. Wegovy® (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for weight loss. Ozempic® (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but may be prescribed off-label for weight loss at a healthcare provider's discretion. A healthcare provider may prescribe a compounded drug if he/she determines that it is medically appropriate and necessary. GLP-1 results are contingent upon a reduced calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. Cessation of GLP-1 has been found to result in weight gain.
