Sticking With GLP-1 Helps to Maintain Weight Loss

Anyone who has struggled to maintain weight loss knows the frustration of losing weight only for it to pile right back on once we slow down or stop whatever weight loss program or diet we were following. This yo-yo effect can discourage, demoralize, and even damage our health. Yet, many diet and exercise programs are just not sustainable to maintain long term. 

The influx of new weight-loss drugs, such as tirzepatide and semaglutide, may offer a glimmer of hope for those struggling to keep the weight off. Compared to methods such as diet and exercise, sticking with controlled GLP-1 after total weight loss has been achieved can keep the weight off effectively.

A study examined how well continued treatment with tirzepatide helps people keep weight off after losing it. Over the first 36 weeks, people lost about 20.9% of their body weight. After that, for the next 52 weeks, some participants in the study kept using GLP-1 while others switched to a placebo. The group that stayed on the medication lost an average of 5.5% of their weight, while the placebo group gained back 14% of the weight they had lost. By the end of the study, 89.5% of the tirzepatide group kept at least 80% of their weight loss, compared to just 16.6% of the placebo group.

Doctors select the appropriate strength of GLP-1 doses to best satisfy the requirements of the patient’s weight loss program. In the initial stages, the typical regimen calls for lower-strength doses of semaglutide or tirzepatide, such as those delivered by Ozempic and Mounjaro. Patients sometimes reach a platform at which point no further weight is being lost, and this may necessitate a boost in the dosage to higher strengths (Wegovy and Zepbound,) However, once the target weight has been reached, it it often possible to revert to lower dosages as a steady program for long-term maintenance, along with reasonable diet and exercise. This can allow patients to revert to Ozempic or Mounjaro, as determined by the prescribing doctor.

Why is it so hard to maintain weight loss?

Losing weight and keeping it off are two different processes that need different approaches. Maintaining weight loss can be challenging because the body works against it in complex ways. The brain works to keep the body in balance, also known as homeostasis. When someone eats less and loses weight, the body tries to stop further weight loss and regain the lost weight. This process is not something that can be controlled by willpower alone. Obesity is a long-term condition that doesn’t go away even after losing a lot of weight. Keeping the weight off is complicated and involves more than just eating less and exercising more. 

Keeping a healthy weight gets even harder when balancing family, work, and social life. This is why many people end up gaining weight back, sometimes even more than they lost in the first place.

Why sticking with weight loss medications is important

The study shows how beneficial it can be to keep taking medication to maintain weight loss. Along with a healthy diet and exercise program, controlled use of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can lead to successful long-term weight loss with a low chance of weight regain.

What lifestyle changes should I make alongside GLP-1?

When following a diet plan while taking weight loss medications, maintaining a balanced diet is key to supporting goals. Focusing on lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, and legumes, provides essential nutrients and keeps you feeling full. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain bread are great for sustained energy. Including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables ensures the body gets a wide range of vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health.

Eating smaller portions can prevent overeating and make meals feel more manageable. Staying properly hydrated is also beneficial, as it can reduce feelings of hunger and curb the temptation to snack unnecessarily. Practicing mindful eating by minimizing distractions during meals allows individuals to pay closer attention to their eating habits, promoting healthier choices and better overall control.

Adding exercise can be a great way to support health and compound results from GLP-1 medications. It’s best to begin slowly, especially if new to working out. Light activities like walking or stretching are a good place to start. Paying attention to how the body feels during and after exercise is key, and taking breaks if feeling tired or unwell is essential. Staying consistent with daily activity, even if it’s just a short walk, can make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ozempic improve more than just weight loss?

Weight loss aside, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have been shown to help with a multitude of other health conditions. These include improved blood sugar control, reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, and even reduced risk of sleep apnea. 

Are Ozempic and tirzepatide the same?

The key distinction between the two medications is that Ozempic (semaglutide) replicates only the GLP-1 hormone, whereas Mounjaro (tirzepatide) mimics both the GLP-1 hormone and an additional metabolic hormone known as GIP.

What happens when you stop taking tirzepatide?

Discontinuing semaglutide or tirzepatide can cause a rise in appetite, potentially leading to weight regain if not properly controlled. Sustaining weight loss requires adopting a healthy lifestyle with a focus on nutritious eating and consistent exercise, and usually benefits from continued use of weight-loss medications at lower doses.

What are the adverse long-term effects of GLP-1?

This medication could raise the likelihood of developing thyroid tumors. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck or throat, experience difficulty swallowing or breathing, or develop a hoarse voice.

What is an alternative to tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro) is an FDA-approved weekly injection for managing type 2 diabetes and is sometimes used off-label to support weight loss. Similar medications for diabetes treatment include semaglutide-based options like Ozempic and Rybelsus.