GLP-1 medications are considered long-term treatments. Studies show that most people regain weight after stopping these medications, as their appetite returns.

“GLP-1s are like stepping on the brakes, inducing satiety and making you feel fuller,” Simonetti says. “If you take your foot off the brake, those other mechanisms come back up.”

This is similar to those who take medication for high blood pressure or for diabetes. 

“If their blood pressure improves, or the diabetes improves, it doesn’t mean that that condition goes away,” Simonetti says. ”It just means that it’s currently being treated with the medication.”

After reaching your goal weight, your provider may reduce your dose but leave you on a maintenance dose.