By Dr. Ryan Wood, NW Regen
In recent years, weight loss drugs have surged in popularity—hailed by many as game changers in the battle against obesity. For midlife men striving to stay active, protect joints, and reclaim energy, the appeal is understandable. But are these medications the right fit for you?
Let’s take a closer look at what’s good and maybe not-so-great about weight loss medications depending on the state of your health.
At NW Regen, we believe in individualized and physician-guided care. When it comes to weight management, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—and weight loss drugs come with both promise and potential pitfalls.
After reviewing this article, feel free to give us a call to set up a consultation. I’ll meet with you in person, review your health, personal history, and weight loss goals and we’ll talk about the best treatment for you.
The Drugs – How Do They Work?
The new wave of weight loss medications is reshaping the conversation around metabolic health—and it’s not just hype.
Prescription drugs like semaglutide (brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) are part of a class of medications originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes.
Today, they’re being used more widely to help with weight management—and for good reason. These drugs work by mimicking gut hormones that regulate appetite, insulin response, and how full you feel after eating.
There are two types of medications:
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications like semaglutide trigger insulin production and slow digestion, helping people feel full longer.
- Tirzepatide, a newer medication, targets two hormones—GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)—which may lead to even more significant weight loss than GLP-1s alone.
At NW Regen, we believe GLP-1 and GIP medications can offer a powerful jumpstart for men in midlife. But they’re not without risks—and what’s key to remember is that they’re most effective when used under the guidance of a physician who understands how weight, hormones, and joint health all work together. Let’s talk.
The Pros – The Promise of Better Health
1. Effective Weight Loss
These medications, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, work by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. For many men, that translates into fewer cravings, smaller portions, and sustained weight loss—often 10–15% of total body weight.
2. Better Metabolic Health
Shedding excess pounds can reduce the risk of serious conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
For men entering their 40s and 50s, improving metabolic health can mean fewer prescriptions down the road—and more freedom to stay active.
3. Less Strain on Joints
Excess weight puts extra pressure on knees, hips, and lower back. That means more wear and tear, more pain, and more downtime.
“Losing weight—especially when combined with regenerative treatments—can reduce inflammation, protect cartilage, and help preserve long-term joint health.”
The Cons – Potential Complications
1. Temporary Results Without Lifestyle Change
These drugs can suppress appetite—but they don’t fix the root causes of weight gain, like hormonal shifts, poor sleep, or emotional eating. Without lifestyle changes, many patients regain weight after stopping the drug. Sustainable change comes from building better habits, like movement, mindful eating, and good sleep hygiene.
2. Potential Side Effects
Nausea, fatigue, and digestive issues are common, especially in the early weeks. And while rare, more serious risks—like pancreatitis or gallbladder problems—can occur. That’s why working with a physician is key and regular check-ins and medical monitoring are essential.
3. Hormonal Considerations
Here’s something few men realize: fat cells affect your hormones.
Weight and testosterone are deeply connected. Fat tissue can convert testosterone into estrogen, which contributes to fatigue, low libido, and mood swings.
But rapid weight loss can also stress the system and disrupt hormones.
At NW Regen, we monitor testosterone levels when supporting patients through weight changes to protect your energy, mood, and muscle mass throughout the process.
Why Work with a Doctor?
I work closely with midlife men navigating weight loss, joint pain, hormonal shifts, and overall health. Weight loss drugs may be a tool in the toolbox—but they work best when combined with a proactive, physician-guided plan that looks at the whole picture.
Curious about whether these medications are right for you? Struggling with weight, energy, or joint pain? Let’s talk.
Together, we’ll create a plan that SAFELY supports your long-term vitality and strength.
Give us a call at (503) 799-6115.
Dr. Ryan Wood is a licensed Naturopathic and Chiropractic physician focusing on interventional orthopedic and orthobiologic medicine and injection therapies as well as general musculoskeletal and non-surgical orthopedic medicine.
With almost two decades of orthopedic practice across multiple disciplines, he has the necessary experience to ensure proper diagnoses and management of complex cases.
