New research hints that people who lose weight and improve their health on weekly GLP-1 medications might be able to maintain those gains even by taking the drug every other week. This finding could have major implications for how these powerful weight loss drugs are used in the long term.
GLP-1s, like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (also semaglutide), are designed to mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. They’ve proven remarkably effective at helping people shed pounds and reduce obesity-related health risks. However, cost and the need for weekly injections have been barriers to broader use.
Dr. Mitch Biermann, an obesity medicine specialist who led this research, notes that patients often worry about getting trapped on these medications indefinitely. “The number one concern I get from patients is that there’s no way to de-escalate therapy once they lose weight,” he explains. This new data offers a potential solution: the ability to taper off injections while still maintaining weight loss.
A Promising, But Preliminary, Finding
This research wasn’t a controlled clinical trial but a retrospective chart review of 30 patients from Dr. Biermann’s practice who had successfully reached a healthy weight or improved their metabolic health (blood sugar control, cholesterol levels) while on weekly GLP-1 therapy for an average of 38 weeks. After this period, they switched to injecting every other week.
The results were encouraging:
- Weight Maintenance: Most people continued to hold onto the weight loss, with only four out of 30 patients regaining enough weight to revert back to weekly injections. Some even stretched their dosing schedules beyond every two weeks.
- Metabolic Benefits Endured: Improvements in blood sugar, triglycerides, and blood pressure remained stable after switching to less frequent doses.
However, because this was a small study with no control group, the findings need further investigation in larger, more rigorous trials.
What Factors Could Influence Results?
Several factors could explain why some people maintain weight loss while spaced-out dosing, and others don’t. Dr. Yuval Pinto, an obesity specialist who wasn’t involved in the study, points out that GLP-1 medications have a half-life of about five days, meaning they remain active in the body for several days after injection.
“The current standard of using these medications every 7 days is also stretching this out,” Dr. Pinto explains. This suggests the extended dosing schedule might still provide sufficient drug levels for weight control in some individuals.
Yet, individual metabolism plays a role. How quickly someone processes drugs (their pharmacokinetics) varies due to factors like age and liver function. People who metabolize GLP-1s more slowly might need closer adherence to weekly dosing.
Exercise May Be Key
Dr. Biermann emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, particularly exercise, in maintaining weight loss. Studies like the National Weight Control Registry consistently show that those who successfully keep weight off over time are highly active—averaging an hour of exercise daily. This may make a difference for individuals who space out GLP-1 injections.
Talk to Your Doctor Before Adjusting Dosing
While this research offers hope, it’s crucial to remember these findings are preliminary and don’t constitute medical advice. Anyone considering adjusting their GLP-1 medication frequency should consult with their healthcare provider.
“Patient-centered medicine is the best medicine,” says Dr. Pinto. He encourages open conversations between doctors and patients about goals, progress made, and potential adjustments to dosing strategies.
“There’s no standard of care for how to de-escalate therapy,” explains Dr. Biermann. “Different physicians have different experiences and practices.”
Working closely with your doctor can help you navigate the potential benefits and risks of changing your GLP-1 injection schedule while ensuring ongoing success in your weight management journey.
