GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide have revolutionized how we approach metabolic health, weight loss, and even chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. But as their popularity skyrockets, many patients are asking:

“Is this a temporary fix, or am I signing up for a lifetime of injections?”

Let’s unpack the science, the real-world outcomes, and what we’re seeing at Flow Wellness.

What Do GLP-1 Medications Actually Do?

GLP-1s are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists—they mimic a natural gut hormone that helps regulate insulin, appetite, satiety, and digestion. The result? Most people feel less hungry, fuller faster, and may develop reduced cravings, especially for sugar and processed foods. GLP-1s also slow gastric emptying and reduce inflammation, which contributes to their wide-ranging benefits.

Do People Keep the Weight Off After Stopping?

In short: not always.

According to the STEP 1 trial, which studied semaglutide for weight loss:

• Participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks (1 year, 4 months).

• One year after stopping semaglutide, most had regained about 60% of the lost weight.

• Appetite and cravings typically returned to pre-treatment levels. This isn’t due to dependency—it reflects how the body responds when a hormone that helps regulate appetite and metabolism is removed.

• Many also experienced the return of issues like elevated blood sugar, blood pressure, or joint pain as the weight came back.

The SURMOUNT-4 trial, which looked at tirzepatide, showed similar trends:

• Participants lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight over the first 36 weeks (9 months)—so, greater and faster weight loss compared to semaglutide.

• One year after stopping tirzepatide, most had regained about 14% of the lost weight.

• Appetite and cravings generally returned to pre-treatment levels.

• Similarly to those who stopped semaglutide, many also experienced the return of issues like elevated blood sugar, blood pressure, or joint pain.

Why Long-Term Use Isn’t “Failure”—It’s Medicine

Unlike crash diets or willpower-based plans, GLP-1s address weight as a chronic, biologically driven condition—not a character flaw. Continuing the medication is not a failure, it’s evidence-based maintenance.

That said, long-term use isn’t the right path for everyone—and with the right support, some patients successfully taper off and maintain results through lifestyle strategies and ongoing care.

Who Gets Off GLP-1s—and How?

Roughly 30–40% of people eventually stop GLP-1s, either by choice or necessity (side effects, cost, lifestyle). Success in keeping weight off post-treatment is typically highest in people who:

• Develop strong nutrition and exercise habits while on the medication

• Work with a provider to taper slowly

• Support their metabolism through muscle-building, gut health, and stress management

• Use the window of reduced cravings to address emotional or binge eating patterns, sometimes with the help of a therapist or psuchologist

• Address underlying issues with hormone imbalances prior to tapering off GLP-1. Schedule your intake appointment with the Flow Wellness bioidentical hormone replacement therapy specialist.

For others, low-dose “microdosing” maintenance therapy may be a more sustainable option. Schedule your GLP-1 microdosing appointment with a Flow Wellness weight loss provider.

Are There Long-Term Risks?

So far, GLP-1s have shown to be safe with millions of people taking the medication with minimal to no side effects. However, some considerations include:

• GI side effects: Nausea, constipation, and reflux are the most common.

• Gallbladder issues: Risk increases with rapid weight loss. Although this risk returns to normal on a maintenance schedule.

• Muscle loss: Without adequate protein and strength training, lean body mass can decline.

• Thyroid concerns: A boxed warning exists for medullary thyroid cancer in rodents, though this hasn’t been seen in humans.

• Pancreatitis: A rare but potentially severe inflammation of the pancreas.

At Flow Wellness, we take a whole-person approach to reduce these risks and maximize long-term outcomes.

So… Temporary or Permanent?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
For some, GLP-1s are a jumpstart—a metabolic reset that allows them to build better habits.
For others, they are a long-term tool, used in the same way we manage any chronic medical condition.

The important thing is that you have options, and you don’t have to navigate them alone.

Ready to Talk About Your Path?

At Flow Wellness, we tailor every GLP-1 plan to your goals, labs, lifestyle, and body. Whether you’re considering starting, tapering, or optimizing, we’re here to walk with you—step by step. Reach out to us for expert guidance!