GLP-1 weight loss medications make individuals consume less food and feel satiated by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that regulates appetite and blood sugar. Certain individuals take compounded GLP-1 medications prepared by specialty pharmacies to receive doses tailored to their requirements or to save money.
When individuals discontinue GLP-1 medications, there is usually weight regain since the body’s hunger cues return, so maintaining good habits such as healthy food intake and exercise to maintain weight loss is crucial.
It’s also crucial to consult closely with your physician when taking compounded GLP-1 medications. They can monitor the effectiveness of the medication, deal with any side effects, and determine the optimal time for switching or stopping treatment.
Important Considerations That Determine Duration on GLP-1s
- Weight Loss Target:
The majority of individuals lose the greatest amount of weight during the first year. If you have lost roughly 10–20% of your weight, you may discuss maintaining a smaller amount or tapering off the medication slowly with your doctor. Quitting too early usually results in the weight returning.
- Progress and Effectiveness:
If your weight continues to decrease or remains stable, your doctor may instruct you to continue to take the drug. However, if weight loss decreases or you experience side effects, your doctor could modify your treatment.
- Side Effects and How You Feel:
You may feel queasy, vomit, or experience stomach problems. If these do not improve, your doctor is able to adjust your dose or change you to a different medicine.
- Lifestyle and Habits:
When you are eating nutritious food, doing exercise, and taking care of stress, this is the time when GLP-1 works the best. If you are in good health, then you don’t require any medication.
- Health Conditions:
If you have any health issues like type 2 diabetes or any type of heart disease, then you must have GLP-1 medicine for an extended duration.
- Cost and Insurance:
Most of the time, these medications cost a lo,t and at times, es insurance does not always cover them. This can impact how long you can remain on treatment.
What Happens if You Stop GLP-1 Medication?
If you discontinue taking GLP-1 medications after losing weight, then there could be a possibility that you will continue to gain weight within a year. The primary reason for this is that your blood sugar and hunger are being regulated when you use these medications. And without it, your body may have a difficult time regulating those things naturally.
So most individuals take medicine daily for their blood pressure to remain healthy. That is why you need to consume healthy foods and exercise regularly, even when you have stopped taking the medication.
Are GLP-1s Safe to Take Indefinitely?
Yes, you can continue taking GLP-1 drugs as long as you want. Others take them long-term to maintain weight loss and manage chronic issues such as diabetes or obesity. These drugs were originally developed for diabetes and can be taken long-term if a physician is monitoring them. However, it’s necessary to have regular check-ups so your physician can monitor side effects and change your dose, if necessary.
Each person is unique. Some may only need the medication for a few months, while others will require it for more than a year. What helps one person may not be ideal for another. It’s therefore very useful to be frank with your doctor about your expectations, any effects, and how you feel.
Taking GLP-1 Medicines Together with Healthy Habits:
- GLP-1 drugs are helpful assistance while you establish healthy habits such as exercising and eating well.
- Most individuals remain on these drugs for roughly 6 to 12 months to lose a significant amount of weight.
- When you have reached your goal and possess good habits, you can discuss gradually decreasing your dose or maintaining a small amount with your doctor.
- If you suddenly quit taking the medicine, then there are very good chances of gaining weight again, so always keep working towards a healthy lifestyle.
- If you are ill with any disease, such as heart disease or diabetes, then you should take medicine regularly.
- You should always consult with your doctor regarding how you are feeling and whether you are experiencing any side effects.
Additional Tips for Long-Term Success:
- Continue with intermittent fasting or control of calories since these help the medication to act more effectively by minimizing your hunger.
- Prioritize reducing stress and regular exercise since these practices aid in maintaining weight loss over time.
- Follow up regularly with your doctor to monitor your progress, such as your weight, blood sugar, and general health.
Keep in mind that weight loss is a slow process. GLP-1 medications are a useful aid, but they are not a magic pill; they are most effective as part of a balanced long-term plan.
When should you go to the doctor?
- If your weight is not going down: If you find that your weight meter is not going down and your hunger is not changing, then you should inform your doctor.
- Side effects: If you feel tired, sick, or have stomach pain throughout the day, then you should also talk to your doctor.
- If weight loss slows down or stops: If you see that your weight scale is decreasing, but after some time it stops. Then you can take help from your doctor and ask if your medicine needs to be changed.
- If you worsen or develop new health concerns: If you are worse or have any new health concern, then you must always inform your doctor about the same.
How long can I stay on compounded GLP-1?
Most providers of this medication recommend 6 to 12 months of continuous use for weight loss results. But few patients have said that it takes 12 to 24 months to give the best results. So the time required for the GLP-1 medication varies from person to person. However, you can reduce your doors after meeting your weight loss goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What will happen if I stop taking GLP-1?
A: It is found that people, after stopping the use of GLP-1, start to wait again. So, to keep your weight maintained, you have to follow certain lifestyle changes and practice regular exercise.
Q: Is it necessary to take GLP-1 forever?
A: No, it is not necessary. But if you have any weight gain-related disease, then you have to use GLP-1 in the long term to get the best results.
Q: Should I stop taking the dose in case of the visible side effects?
A: Yes, if you face certain side effects like nausea, you need to stop taking the GLP-1 medications.
Q: GLP-1 must be used by people for how many days?
A: In the USA, people use GLP-1 for 6 months. High price, tolerating, and reaching benchmark goals are the reasons behind this short-term use.
Conclusion
GLP-1 weight loss medications are used for reducing weight for long-term purposes. If you want to reduce your weight, then try this medication along with your regular workouts and a proper diet to reach your goal. Try consulting your healthcare expert to know about the duration for using GLP-1 medication for weight loss. In case you find the side effects after using the medication, immediately visit your healthcare expert