Can New Weight Loss Drugs Deliver Long-Term Results?
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Introduction
New medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have created a buzz in the world of obesity treatment. These drugs, originally developed for diabetes, are now being used to help people lose weight. But one important question remains—do the results last, especially when people stop taking the medications?
A recent study explored this question by looking at real-world data from over 7,800 people who used either semaglutide or tirzepatide for weight loss.
What Did the Study Look At?
Researchers studied patients from a large healthcare system who started using semaglutide (like Wegovy or Ozempic) or tirzepatide (like Zepbound or Mounjaro) between 2021 and 2023. All the patients had obesity but did not have type 2 diabetes.
The study focused on two main things:
- How much weight people lost over 12 months.
- How their blood sugar levels (HbA1c) changed if they had prediabetes at the start.
Importantly, it looked at what happened when people stopped taking the medications early (within 3 months), later (3–12 months), or not at all.
Key Findings on Weight Loss
The average weight loss after 1 year was:
- 11.9% in people who stayed on the drug.
- 6.8% in those who stopped between 3–12 months.
- 3.6% in those who stopped within 3 months.
People taking tirzepatide lost more weight on average than those on semaglutide. The highest weight loss (18%) was seen in those who took tirzepatide consistently and at a high dose.
Blood Sugar Improvements in Prediabetes
Among patients with prediabetes, 67.9% of those who stayed on treatment achieved normal blood sugar levels after one year. This dropped to just 33.1% for those who stopped early.
Also, fewer people developed diabetes if they stayed on the medication.
Why Do People Stop Taking the Medications?
In this study, over half the participants stopped taking the drugs within a year. Reasons may include:
- Side effects
- High cost
- Insurance issues
- Limited supply
Stopping the medication early clearly reduced its benefits.
Practical Takeaways
Here are some key lessons from the study for anyone considering these medications for weight loss:
- Stick with it if possible: Long-term use leads to better results.
- Late is better than early: Even if you stop eventually, staying on the medication for at least a few months helps.
- Tirzepatide may work better: Though both drugs are effective, tirzepatide had slightly better outcomes.
- High dose matters: People on higher doses had more success with weight loss.
What This Means for You
These medications can be powerful tools for weight loss and better blood sugar control, especially for people with obesity and prediabetes. But they work best when taken consistently over time.
If you’re thinking about starting one of these treatments, talk to your doctor about:
- How long you might need to stay on it
- Possible side effects
- Cost and insurance coverage
- Setting realistic expectations
Also, remember that these drugs work best when combined with healthy eating and physical activity.
Final Thoughts
Weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are game changers—but only if you stay on track. Discontinuing early may undo much of the progress. This new study highlights the importance of commitment, support, and a long-term plan when using these treatments.