Womens Health Specials – Issue 2 2026

Summary

Women's Health Specials Issue 2 2026 — "The GLP-1 Journal" — is a targeted 60-plus-page special from editor Nikki Osman designed for the growing number of UK women using GLP-1 medications. A Food Foundation survey from January 2026 found nearly 7% of the UK population have used one and a further 8% are considering it. The journal tackles the three questions no prescription covers: how to eat when appetite changes, what a muscle-protective workout week looks like, and how to protect emotional wellbeing while the body changes. Clinical nutritionist Dr Federica Amati (author of The Appetite Reset) serves as the lead expert across the FUEL section.

The special is structured in four sections: FUEL, TRAIN, THRIVE and 12 weeks of guided journal pages. The FUEL section reports that 50-75% of people stop GLP-1s within the first year due to cost, side effects or poor results. A 2025 study found GLP-1 users had insufficient intakes of fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, choline, vitamins A, C, D and E. The journal includes PT-designed workouts and psychologist-led support pages. Every recipe and workout is calibrated for reduced appetite and increased nausea risk.

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Content Guide

▸ Introduction

p.— · Welcome to The GLP-1 Journal
Sets the context: GLP-1s approved in 2005, now ubiquitous. The journal aims to answer how to eat, train and thrive on these medications. Three questions structure the whole issue. Read this first to understand the journal's framework before diving into the sections.

▸ FUEL

p.10 · How to Eat Well on GLP-1s — Dr Federica Amati Q&A
The clinical nutritionist reports patients experiencing relentless nausea, constipation and exhaustion. One person paid for six months of private Mounjaro and lost no weight. Dr Amati recommends 2-3 weeks of nutritional preparation before starting GLP-1s — a pre-stage most users skip. Start hydrating (2 litres/day) and building fibre (towards 30g/day) at least 2 weeks before your first dose.

p.16 · The Protein Playbook
Creative ways to ensure adequate protein when appetite is suppressed. The article uses a "protein first" plate method: fill half your plate with protein before adding anything else. Target 1.6g protein per kg of body weight daily.

p.24 · The Power Plates That Do It All
GLP-1-friendly recipes marrying protein with fibre. Each recipe is designed for small portions with high nutrient density. Prep 3 of these recipes and freeze in individual portions.

▸ TRAIN

p.32 · How to Train Well on GLP-1s — Doctor Q&A
A doctor answers exercise questions specific to GLP-1 users, including timing workouts around nausea and managing fatigue. The article recommends morning workouts before the day's first meal to minimise GI discomfort. Schedule workouts for the morning window if nausea peaks after eating.

p.38 · Gain While You Lose — An Expert-Led Guide to Muscle Maintenance
The critical message: on GLP-1s, up to 40% of weight lost can be muscle. The guide prescribes 2-3 full-body resistance sessions weekly as non-negotiable. Do not skip resistance training even if fatigue is high — reduce volume, not frequency.

p.42 · Plan a Workout Like a PT
Building and maintaining full-body strength on reduced calories. The workout uses compound movements only to maximise efficiency. Complete this session 2x per week on non-consecutive days.

p.48 · On the Start Line — GLP-1 Runners
Women share their experiences of running while on GLP-1s — from improved times to energy crashes. The consensus: start slower, fuel before runs, and accept that performance may fluctuate. Reduce your running pace by 30 seconds per km for the first 4 weeks.

▸ Journal Pages

p.— · 12 Weeks of Guided Journal Pages
Structured weekly pages to track food, movement, mood, side effects and measurements. Each week builds on the previous one. Start Week 1 by tracking only — no changes — to establish your baseline.

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Editor's Take

This is the most necessary special issue WH UK has ever published — the GLP-1 revolution is creating millions of women who need guidance that the prescribing system is not providing. Dr Amati's "pre-stage" protocol alone (2-3 weeks of nutritional prep) could save readers from the side effects that cause 50-75% to quit. The muscle maintenance warning (up to 40% of weight lost as muscle) should be mandatory reading for every prescriber. The TRAIN section is thinner than FUEL — 4 pages on resistance training for this population is not enough. But as a starting point, this journal fills a genuine gap in the market. Essential for anyone currently taking or considering GLP-1s.

Strengths
• Dr Amati's pre-stage nutritional preparation protocol
• Muscle maintenance warning: up to 40% of loss is lean mass
• 12-week journal structure for habit-building

Weaknesses
• Resistance training section needs more depth
• THRIVE (emotional wellbeing) section appears abbreviated

Verdict: Essential — The single most important WH special of 2026 for the growing GLP-1 user population; the pre-stage protocol alone is worth the price.