BY AARDE WRITES for WEEKLY VOLCANO | 7/24/2026
Hey Aarde,
What is the difference between Ozempic and GLP-1? Should I focus on my gut biome first? What about a parasite cleanse? I am so tired, but I need to lose weight, and I’m unsure what the best route is. How is this tied to menopause? There is so much info and not enough time to research it all. What if I choose wrong and end up with some horrible side effect? How safe are all these choices? Should I do it the old-fashioned way and exercise for hours a day and cut out all of my favorite things from my diet? Everyone is losing weight, and I’m out here finding every pound of it.
Signed, Forever Belly
Hey Forever Belly,
You do not need to choose between the old-fashioned way and modern medical support. What is usually best is a balance or combination of good habits that focus on proper rest, hydration, movement, and treating yourself with love. Aim for steady progress rather than dramatic results. Slower changes are often easier to maintain and easier to adjust if needed. Our bodies have a lot of active parts, and expecting drastic results can be problematic on many levels: medical, physical, mental, and emotional.
GLP-1 is a hormone that your body makes naturally after you eat. It helps regulate appetite, supports insulin release when blood sugar rises, slows stomach emptying, and signals fullness to the brain. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic the effects of that hormone. As with many types of medications, several brands exist within this category, each with its own nuances. Ozempic is one brand in this medication class, along with Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. While all of these medications help regulate appetite and can support weight loss, some are also approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro and Zepbound also activate a second hormone pathway (GIP), which may contribute to greater weight loss for some people. Which medication is most appropriate depends on your medical history, insurance coverage, individual tolerability, and personal goals.
As far as menopause goes, experiencing a drop in your estrogen is unavoidable, affecting sleep, energy, muscle mass, body fat distribution (hello belly pudge, a.k.a. “meno belly”), appetite, and overall mood. The old adage of eating less and moving more doesn’t always apply here. Talking with your doctor about HRT to help with menopausal symptoms, as well as bone and cardiovascular health, is important. You can also discuss whether GLP-1 is the right fit for you.
Of course, with most drugs, GLP-1s are not risk-free and can come with some side effects. Gradual dosing, or microdosing, provides a more symbiotic relationship within the body, allowing your organs to calmly vibe check each other. Risks could include nausea, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, muscle loss, gallbladder problems, pancreatitis warning symptoms, low blood sugar, thyroid tumor warnings, and delayed stomach emptying. Having a doctor to help you monitor any symptoms and offer redirection is essential to a successful experience.
A gut-supportive approach is always worthwhile regardless of whether you use GLP-1 as part of your regimen. Most of our bodies appreciate a variety of digestible plants throughout the week: vegetables, beans, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains (if tolerated; if not, try einkorn flour products). Ensure your body is getting enough protein (especially during menopause), increase fiber where needed, stay hydrated, and include fermented foods. Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, or tempeh can help your body balance the fermentation process, assisting in breakdown and reducing bloating (recent studies show that kimchi might remove microplastics from your system too!). Try different brands until you find the one that you like the best. It’s worth it.
Not everyone is a fan of parasite cleanses, but I happen to think they are valuable additions to one’s health regimen when done safely. Do your research on the preparation, process, and products. Whatever you choose to do, it should not be used broadly as a supplement. Any aggressive detox should be done sparingly. If there is concern about a parasitic infection, the safest approach is to get appropriate treatment through a health care professional.
The fear of choosing wrong is often heavier than the choice itself. So keep in mind that your decision can be revised or adjusted as you go. There is nothing wrong with remaining cautious, starting with a low dose, monitoring and adjusting, and discontinuing altogether if needed. And remember, you are your own advocate! It is important to remember that this is your journey. Comparing yourself to others or feeling pressured to be a certain weight or image is problematic, and solutions are not found on the scale. They are found in the heart and mind. Please take the time to check in with them too. You do not need to punish yourself by withholding foods you love or punish yourself for feeling a certain way about your outward appearance. Talk with your doctor or counselor about a practical low-regret, low-pressure, high-impact plan. Find something attainable and supportive of your mental and spiritual health.
Being tired is very common, and not having enough time in the day to research and be your own advocate is unfortunate, as navigating conflicting health information can feel overwhelming. So keep it simple: start by investigating your fatigue, stabilize the basics, create a manageable routine, and focus on all of your parts (mind, spirit, and body). If you meet the medical criteria and have already found the basic routine to be lackluster and are at the end of your rope, consider a slow, supervised GLP-1 trial. You want an approach that maintains the balance of effectiveness, safety, and long-term sustainability in your life. These medicines can be a useful tool for weight loss, but they do not replace hormone management, sleep care, adequate nutrition, mental health care, or strength training and building lean muscle mass. You are responsible for your own body. Treat it as if it’s your only vessel until the very end, because it is.
For educational purposes only. This column is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Send your questions for Ask Aarde to Jdaarde@gmail.com.
