Obesity is a chronic condition, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Even after losing weight through medications or other approaches, the underlying biology remains. That’s why ongoing treatment is recommended. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications work by changing how your brain and gut manage hunger and fullness.
If you stop taking the medication, those signals tend to return to how they were before treatment. Most people regain a significant amount of weight within a year. That's why these medications are usually meant to be continued long-term, at the dose that keeps you at a healthy, stable weight.
If you reach your goal weight, you and your doctor may decide to try stopping the medication. If so, you’ll continue to closely monitor your weight and any related conditions while maintaining all the lifestyle changes you’ve made along the way.
Wegovy and Zepbound are both highly effective weight-loss medications, though individual results vary based on dose, genetics, and consistency with nutrition and activity changes. Here are approximate averages from clinical trials:
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Zepbound (tirzepatide) | |
| ~6 months | About 13–14% of starting body weight, on average | About 10–16% of starting body weight, on average (varies with dose) |
| ~12 months | About 15–17% of starting body weight, on average | About 18–21% of starting body weight, on average, at the higher (10–15 mg) doses |
Note: These are population averages from clinical trials, not a guarantee. Some people lose more, some less, and results depend on reaching and staying on the target dose.
Nausea: Eat slowly, stop at the first sign of fullness, and favor smaller, more frequent meals over large ones. Ginger chews or ginger tea can help. Avoid greasy, fried, or very rich foods, and don't lie down right after eating.
Constipation: Gradually increase fiber, aiming for 25–30g/day from food if possible. Drink plenty of water, and stay active with short walks. A gentle stool softener can help if diet changes aren't enough.
Diarrhea: Stick to simpler, lower-fat foods for a day or two, and replace fluids and electrolytes.
Bloating or reflux: Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and avoid carbonated drinks or lying down soon after eating.
Fatigue: This often improves as your body adjusts to a new dose. Make sure you're eating enough overall–not just less–and staying hydrated.
Injection site irritation: Rotate injection sites between your abdomen, thigh, and upper arm each week.
Keep this resource handy for when you first start: Managing Common Digestive Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications
These side effects are uncommon. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below, contact us via chat or phone and seek immediate in-person medical care.
Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent abdominal pain that often radiates to the back, sometimes with nausea or vomiting that doesn't resolve. Stop the medication and seek care.
Gallbladder problems: Rapid weight loss modestly raises the risk of gallstones. Watch for right upper abdominal pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin/eyes.
Vision changes (NAION): a rare, reported association with sudden vision loss or blurring, usually in one eye and usually painless. This needs urgent evaluation by an eye doctor or emergency care. Don't wait it out.
Severe GI slowing (bowel obstruction/ileus): Significant bloating, persistent vomiting, or inability to pass gas or stool warrants urgent evaluation.
Kidney injury: This is usually related to dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. Staying hydrated is the best prevention.
Thyroid tumors: Seen in animal studies. Report any new neck lump, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. These medications aren't used in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2.
Mood changes: Report any new or worsening feelings of depression or thoughts of self-harm right away.
As with any medications, allergic reactions or unusual side effects can occur. Please let our team know if you experience any new or concerning symptoms while taking a GLP-1 medication.
A meaningful share of the weight lost on GLP-1 medications, often a quarter or more without countermeasures, can come from lean muscle rather than fat. Two habits can make a big difference.
During weight loss, protein needs may be higher than usual to help support lean mass. Since appetite is often lower on GLP-1 medications, try to include a protein-rich food at each meal and consider eating it first. Examples include eggs, dairy, poultry, fish, tofu, beans, and lentils. Individual protein needs vary based on factors such as body size, activity level, age, and medical conditions. Your Care Team can help you determine an appropriate protein goal and find ways to meet it.
Aim for strength training roughly 2–3 times per week. Focus on the major muscle groups with compound movements (squats, rows, presses, etc.), progressively increasing weight or reps as tolerated over time. If you're new to resistance training, even bodyweight or light resistance-band routines to start, ideally with some guidance from a trainer or physical therapist, are far better than none. Pairing this with adequate protein and sleep is what actually preserves muscle.
Dose titration: You'll start at a low dose and increase gradually over several weeks or months. This schedule is what keeps GI side effects manageable, so don't skip ahead.
Storage and injections: Pens are typically refrigerated until first use. After that, they may be kept at room temperature for a limited time. Check your specific product's instructions and rotate injection sites weekly.
Missed doses: There's usually a window to take a missed weekly dose late rather than skip it entirely. This varies by medication, so check with us if you miss one rather than guessing.
Alcohol: Can worsen nausea and other GI side effects. Consider minimizing it, especially when you first start treatment.
Other medications: These medications slow stomach emptying, which can affect how well some oral medications, including birth control pills, are absorbed. Let us know your full medication list so we can flag any timing adjustments.
Pregnancy: These medications aren't recommended during pregnancy or while trying to conceive. Use reliable contraception and talk to us about stopping the medication before conception.
Follow-up: Regular check-ins let us track your progress, adjust your dose, and catch side effects early. Staying on top of your appointments is an important part of your treatment.
This is general education, not a substitute for your personal treatment plan. Please reach out with any questions or new symptoms. We'd rather hear from you early.