What You Need to Know

A groundbreaking report from Virta Health challenges the prevailing belief that weight regain is unavoidable after discontinuing GLP-1 medications. Instead, it reveals a hopeful perspective that suggests a structured off-ramp combined with lifestyle support can foster lasting success, proving that these medications don’t have to be a lifetime commitment.

The Power of Professional Guidance

In collaboration with Wakefield Research, Virta surveyed 500 adults in the U.S. who had previously used GLP-1s for weight loss and stopped at least six months ago. The results from the survey titled "Life After GLP-1s: The Power of a Planned Off-Ramp" indicate that how individuals transition off their medication plays a crucial role in their long-term success.

Mind-Blowing Findings: Support Makes All the Difference

The report strikingly shows that those who tapered off GLP-1s with medical guidance were eight times more likely to continue their weight loss journey after stopping—56% versus just 7% for those who quit abruptly. This evidence highlights the importance of a well-planned transition.

Encouragingly, nearly half of the participants (45%) gradually reduced their dosage under professional supervision, while 36% blended this tapering process with specific lifestyle changes or diet plans.

Lifestyle Choices: The Secret to Long-Term Success

While GLP-1 medications can kickstart the weight loss process, true and lasting success lies in adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Among those who upheld their dietary changes post-GLP-1, more than half (51%) managed to keep the weight off, with an impressive 43% actually losing even more weight.

However, the data reveals a sobering fact: only 36% of users who had been off the medications for 9 to 12 months maintained their new eating patterns. This emphasizes the necessity for sustained support and strategies that extend beyond just medication.

User Preferences: An Exit Strategy, Not a Lifelong Dependency

Despite what pharmaceutical companies may pledge, users show a strong inclination towards a defined course of treatment instead of a lifelong dependence on GLP-1s. The survey indicates that 43% of users took these medications for just 6 to 12 months before stopping, whereas only 26% remained on them for over a year.

Debunking the Myths of Weight Loss After GLP-1s

Catherine Metzgar, PhD, RD, and health coach at Virta, asserts, "The dismal picture of life post-GLP-1s is a myth we’re actively debunking. Our findings suggest that a personalized, nutrition-focused strategy, complemented by a professional transition plan, not only helps individuals maintain weight loss but can also propel them further along their health journey. GLP-1s can ignite a pathway to lasting health beyond the medication itself."