If you’re tempted by GLP-1s (Ozempic etc.), read this before you decide

GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic Weygovey) can support weight loss by reducing appetite and improving blood sugar control, but they can come with side effects and longer-term considerations, including muscle loss and skin laxity if weight drops quickly. Before starting, ask your GP about suitability, risks, duration, and your maintenance plan. If your goal is targeted shape change rather than significant weight loss, non-invasive body contouring may be a better fit.

If you’re a busy Melbourne mum who’s doing “most things right” and still can’t shift the 10–15kg, GLP-1 medications can look like the first sensible offer you’ve seen in years.

And yes, for some people, they genuinely help.

But GLP-1s aren’t a cute little shortcut. They’re a medical decision with trade-offs. Not just nausea and appetite changes. Bigger ones too, like muscle loss and skin laxity when weight drops quickly. This is the calm, grown-up read before you walk into your GP appointment.

You’ll get:

  • the questions to take to your GP (so you don’t walk out with a script and a stomach full of regret)

  • the reality of staying on vs coming off

  • the side effects people don’t think about until they’re living them

  • where non-invasive body contouring fits if your goal is shape, not major weight loss

What are GLP-1s (and why everyone’s suddenly talking about them)?

GLP-1s are prescription medications that mimic a hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar regulation. In plain English, many people feel less hungry, feel full faster, and eat less without fighting themselves all day. That’s the appeal. Relief.

But if you’re reading this, you’re probably not chasing a dramatic transformation. You’re chasing quiet.

Quiet in your head. Quiet in your jeans. Quiet from the constant internal audit of what you ate, what you didn’t do, what you “should” be able to fix. GLP-1s can change that experience for some people.

They can also create a new kind of stress if you start without a plan.

The part most people skip: what problem are you actually trying to solve?

The internet lumps everything into “weight loss.” Your body doesn’t. “I want to lose weight” can mean three totally different things:

  • I want health markers to improve (blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, joint pain, energy)

  • I want the scale to move (overall weight reduction)

  • I want my shape back (belly, hips, bra bulge, arms, thighs)

If your main pain is shape, GLP-1s might be an expensive, medical way to chase a result you could approach differently. If your main pain is health risk, GLP-1s might be appropriate.

You don’t need a pep talk. You need the right tool for the job.

GLP-1 side effects people don’t think about until it’s too late

Most people know about the appetite and tummy stuff.

The bigger “wait, what?” side effects tend to show up when weight comes off faster than your body can adapt.

1. Muscle loss (muscle wasting)

When you lose weight, you don’t only lose fat. If you’re eating less (which is the whole point), and you’re not actively protecting protein intake and strength work, your body can lose lean muscle along with fat. That can matter because:

  • muscle is part of what gives your body shape

  • muscle supports strength, posture, and metabolism

  • losing muscle can leave you smaller, but softer

This is why “I just want the scale down” can backfire aesthetically.

2. Skin Laxity (looser skin)

Skin doesn’t always bounce back neatly, especially with:

  • faster weight loss

  • age-related collagen changes

  • motherhood (pregnancy stretches skin, and it doesn’t always return)

  • genetics

If the volume under the skin reduces quickly, the skin may not tighten at the same pace. That can leave you with a looser look in areas like the tummy, arms, thighs.

Not everyone experiences this the same way. But it’s common enough that it should be part of an adult decision.

3. The obvious stuff: Gut side effects and food aversions

Many people report nausea, reflux, constipation or diarrhoea, and feeling “put off” certain foods. Some love that. Some feel miserable.

The point is not to scare you. It’s to stop you being surprised.

Take this list to your GP: the questions that stop you getting rushed into a script

Bring this on your phone. Use it.

1. “What’s the medical reason you think this is right for me?”

You want clarity on whether this is being recommended for:

  • blood sugar control

  • insulin resistance

  • weight management

  • another medical indication

If the answer is vague, slow down.

2. “What side effects should I expect, and what would be a red flag?”

Don’t accept “some nausea.” Ask what’s common, what’s manageable, and what means stop and call.

3. “How long do you expect I’ll be on it?”

This matters because GLP-1s are often discussed as longer-term support, not a quick reset.

4. “What’s the plan if I stop?”

Ask directly:

  • what happens to appetite when you come off

  • what the maintenance plan looks like

  • how you’ll monitor progress and adjust

If there’s no plan, you’re relying on hope.

5. “How will we protect muscle while I’m losing weight?”

Ask your GP what they recommend for:

  • protein targets (or referral to someone who can guide you)

  • strength training support

  • tracking strength, not just kilos

6. “If my skin gets looser, what are my options?”

This isn’t vanity. It’s reality. If you’re doing this partly for confidence in your clothes, you deserve to know what you’ll do if the result isn’t the tidy ‘before/after’ you pictured.

7. “What will this cost me over 3, 6, 12 months?”

Not to scare you. To keep you in reality. A very common messy outcome is starting strong, paying for a few months, stopping without a proper plan, then feeling like you failed again. You didn’t fail. You just weren’t supported properly.

Staying on vs coming off: the honest reality

Here’s what I want you to understand before you start.

If you stay on

  • You may get ongoing appetite support.

  • You may also be signing up for ongoing cost and medical management.

  • You’ll still need a normal-life plan, or it becomes another thing you’re doing to your body rather than with your body.

If you come off

Many people find appetite returns. That doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means the medication was doing a job.

If the only plan is “I’ll just keep eating less,” you’re back in the old loop. The loop you’re trying to escape. The better question is: do I have habits and support that can hold me when the medication isn’t doing the heavy lifting?

The belief shift you probably need (and it’s a relief)

Most women in your life stage assume:

“If I could just be more disciplined, I’d fix this.”

No. Your body at 40, 45, 55 is not your body at 25. Stress, hormones, sleep, genetics, life load, and metabolism all matter.

It’s not your fault.

Once you understand what’s driving the problem, you stop choosing options out of desperation.

If your goal is shape (not major weight loss), here’s where non-invasive body contouring fits

Most women in your life stage assume:

“If I could just be more disciplined, I’d fix this.”

No. Your body at 40, 45, 55 is not your body at 25. Stress, hormones, sleep, genetics, life load, and metabolism all matter.

It’s not your fault.

Once you understand what’s driving the problem, you stop choosing options out of desperation.

What’s Included in Your 8-Week Transformation

6 Areas of Fat Freezing

TGA-approved, non-invasive treatment targeting stubborn fat cells with permanent result

Bio-Impedance Scan

Clear body composition insights so you can track real progress

20 EMS Muscle Sessions

Build strength, improve tone and support metabolism with guided muscle stimulation.

Education & Clarity Tools

Includes “Why Can’t I Lose Weight?” book and your Transformation Diary to help you understand your body and track your journey

3x Bio-Microneedling

Support collagen production and skin renewal for smoother, more radiant skin

Mindset & Accountability Support

Hypnotherapy audio tracks plus 8 weekly coaching calls to keep you consistent, focused and supported

Ready to Go From Zero to Hero?

  • This program is designed for women who feel stuck with stubborn areas of fat despite trying diet and exercise.

    It may be suitable for you if:

    • You’re looking for a non-surgical option

    • You want structured support and accountability

    • You feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start

    • You’re ready to prioritise yourself again

    Every body is different. Your plan will be tailored to your starting point and goals.

  • Zero to Hero is not a traditional weight loss program.

    It’s a body contouring and confidence reset that combines TGA-approved fat freezing, EMS muscle sessions and weekly coaching support.

    Fat freezing reduces fat cells in treated areas. It does not replace healthy lifestyle habits — it supports them!

  • Fat freezing (cryolipolysis) works by exposing fat cells to controlled cooling. These cells undergo a natural process called apoptosis and are gradually eliminated by the body over time.

    The treated fat cells are permanently reduced. Results appear gradually over 6–12 weeks.

    It is non-invasive and requires no surgery or downtime.

  • We use TGA-approved cryolipolysis systems operated by trained clinicians.

    Fat freezing is considered safe and non-invasive when performed correctly and on suitable candidates. During your consultation, we assess your medical history to ensure it’s appropriate for you.

  • EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) sessions stimulate muscle contractions to help improve tone and strength.

    These sessions can support metabolism, posture and muscle definition as part of your overall transformation plan.

    They are comfortable, guided sessions delivered in clinic.

  • Fat freezing is non-surgical and requires no downtime.

    You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.

    Some clients experience temporary redness, numbness or sensitivity in the treated area, which typically resolves on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Client Reviews

“Highly recommended, Linda and her team are experienced and professional. Linda took me through the entire process, treatment and follow up. A wonderful experience not only have I dropped a dress size in 5 weeks but my partner and friends have made comment on what must be my dedication to the gym 😂 thanks My Temple.”

— Charmaine

“My bio needling experience was fantastic.... Staff are professional friendly and informed me about the treatment as well as aftercare and other beneficial information to get the most out of my skin journey. Such a positive experience will Def be back again.”

— Yesenia

“I always have a great experience at My Temple! I’ve had a total of three treatments to tackle my stubborn lower abdominal fat and have seen amazing results. The before and after photos taken by the lovely Tania only make the improvements more noticeable. I am extremely satisfied with my results and Tania’s hospitality - she goes above and beyond to ensure you’re comfortable during your session, even supplying snacks and some entertainment (Netflix). I would highly recommend treatments from My Temple if you need that extra confidence boost.”

— Matilda

OUR LOCATIONS

MOORABBIN
1/7 Tuck Street, Moorabbin 3189
P: 0466 061 013

PORT MELBOURNE
383 Bay Street, Port Melbourne 3207
P: 0420 205 731