Research on GLP-1 medications shows that weight often returns after treatment stops. It also shows that people who exercise regularly keep much more of it off.
In a follow-up to the STEP 1 semaglutide trial, researchers tracked 327 adults for one year after they stopped both the medication and the lifestyle program. During treatment, these participants had lost an average of 17% of their body weight. Within a year of stopping, they had regained about two-thirds of it, and most of the improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar had reversed.
The researchers concluded that obesity is a chronic condition and that most people need some form of ongoing support to maintain their results.
A separate study followed people for one year after they completed one of four programs: exercise, a GLP-1 medication, both, or placebo.
Participants exercised two to three times a week at an intensity that raised their heart rate and breathing, for a total of about two hours a week.
Our physician-supervised weight loss program includes personalized nutrition and fitness guidance, InBody body composition tracking and regular follow-up visits in The Woodlands and Katy. To get started, use the Book Appointment button at the top of this page or call (281) 466-4644.
The semaglutide and liraglutide studies were funded wholly or partly by Novo Nordisk or the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Many people do. In the STEP 1 extension, people who stopped both the medication and their lifestyle program regained about two-thirds of the weight they had lost within a year.
Yes. In a study that followed people for a year after treatment ended, those who had exercised kept their weight largely stable. Those who had combined exercise and medication were about 4 times more likely than the medication-only group to stay at least 10% below their starting weight.
No. Do not stop or change a prescribed medication without talking to your provider first.
In the study, people exercised two to three times a week at a level that raised their heart rate and breathing, about two hours a week in total. Your provider can help you decide what is safe for you.
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This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Please talk with a provider about your own health. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
