Dr. Ahmed A new study presented at ENDO 2025, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, has brought some great news to individuals who use weight-loss meds.
It says that patients can still achieve significant weight loss even when their access to GLP-1 receptor agonists is not consistent.
As there is a rising demand for these drugs, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), many users experience inconsistent access due to some problems like supply issues, insurance complications, or financial ones. This study suggests that weight loss progress can be maintained even with such hurdles.
GLP-1 Drugs: A New Era in Obesity Treatment
GLP-1 receptor agonists have completely changed modern obesity and type 2 diabetes care. These meds mimic a natural hormone that reduces appetite, delays stomach emptying, & helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Their ability to help with sustained weight loss has made them very popular among patients and healthcare providers.
However, their demand is more than the supply which is leading to difficulties in maintaining uninterrupted treatment.
This has raised important concerns, like do patients lose their weight loss momentum if they are not able to take their meds consistently.
This new study, conducted by the metabolic health company Calibrate, aimed to answer this question using real-world data.
Real-world Study of Treatment Gaps
Calibrate’s research team reviewed health records from the 6,392 adults who were enrolled in their commercial metabolic health program.
All participants had received at least one month of GLP-1 med and completed at least 1 year in the program, which included things like one-on-one coaching and personalized lifestyle support focused on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional health.
Researchers defined a ‘treatment interruption’ as going without GLP-1 medication for 13 weeks or more. These interruptions were common.
About 72.5% of participants had at least one disruption in access, while 11.1% experienced multiple interruptions.
Participants received an average of 8.13 prescription fills during their first year and 15.25 in their second year, which shows that access varied widely across the group.
Weight Loss Continued Despite Treatment Gaps
The study’s primary goal was to check whether individuals experiencing these interruptions could still lose a meaningful amount of weight, and the findings showed us that it is possible.
Patients who faced interruptions lost an average of 13.7% of their body weight over 12 months and 14.9% over 24 months, which are both clinically significant results.
Moreover, participants who had uninterrupted access achieved slightly greater weight loss, like 17.0% at 12 months and 20.1% at 24 months.
Even participants who filled only 1 to 4 GLP-1 prescriptions in a year saw more than 10% weight loss on average, a level widely recognized as beneficial for improving metabolic health.
| Treatment Status | Weight Loss at 12 Months | Weight Loss at 24 Months |
|---|---|---|
| With Interruptions | 13.7% | 14.9% |
| Without Interruptions | 17.0% | 20.1% |
‘These findings show that although it is frustrating for patients to lose access to medication, they can still reach their goals,’
said Kaelen L. Medeiros, M.S., Director of Data and Research at Calibrate.
‘Our data show that effective weight loss is possible when lifestyle changes and structured coaching are also in place.’
Practical Takeaways for Patients and Providers
The results have immediate real-world implications:
- For individuals worried about maintaining weight loss during medication interruptions, the findings provide comfort. Progress does not stop or disappear when treatment is disrupted, especially when backed by strong lifestyle habits.
- Diet, exercise, sleep, and mental well-being are very foundational as they play a powerful role in promoting weight loss and maintaining it even if the treatment is not interrupted.
- The study reinforces the benefit of integrated care, where medications are just one part of a broader, behavior-focused strategy. This model helps patients build resilience and continue progressing even without consistent meds.
- Also, for patients who are wondering what to do, doctors can cite this study and prove that uninterrupted access will not become a problem in their weight loss journey.
A step forward, but more research is needed
The study’s retrospective design limits its ability to confirm cause and effect even though the results are promising.
More prospective trials are needed to confirm these findings and refine some strategies for people who cannot maintain steady med use.
Future research could also help identify which lifestyle interventions are most protective against setbacks during such gaps.
Furthermore, it may clarify how long patients can go without a drug before weight loss slows or reverses.
Despite these limitations, the ENDO 2025 findings offer hope and practical insights. The study affirms that while consistent medication use remains ideal, patients can still achieve life-changing health improvements when supported with the right tools and habits.
The Bottom Line:
This research is part of a growing shift toward more personalized and adaptable approaches in treating obesity.
It recognizes that real-world situations do not always align with ideal treatment plans but that success is still possible.
For healthcare providers, it offers new ways to support patients through problems in medication access. For patients, it brings motivation to stay committed to lifestyle change, even during delays.
Lastly, the study highlights how strong support and medical guidance can work together to make progress possible, even when circumstances are less than perfect.
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