glp1sideeffects.com

Users on Reddit express varied opinions and experiences regarding the perceived need for lifelong GLP-1 medication. Many believe it is a long-term or even lifelong commitment, while others hope to eventually taper off or discontinue use with sustained lifestyle changes.

Perceived Need for Lifelong Medication:

General Belief in Lifelong Use: Several users and their doctors view GLP-1s as a long-term or lifelong treatment. One user states, "the existing studies indicate it's a lifetime medication. "[1] Another echoes this, saying, "many doctors are treating GLP-1s as long-term or even lifelong medications, especially in cases of chronic or severe insulin resistance. "[3] A commenter mentioned, "Because they’re a lifelong medication. Everyone I know who has achieved any sustainable weight loss goes on a maintenance dose. "[4] One user's endocrinologist reportedly said, "there isn’t enough long term studies for what it will do to your organs on continue use," implying long-term use is expected but with some unknowns. [10]

Individual Acceptance of Lifelong Use: Some users are prepared for or accepting of lifelong use. "I'm prepared for this to be a lifetime medication for me and I'm totally fine with that," shared one individual with PCOS and insulin resistance. [5] Another user on tirzepatide for over a year and a half stated, "Maybe maybe some time I will try to taper off the meds and see what happens but I don’t know why I would when it works so well... If I begin struggling and it turns out I need this medicine for life, also great and I’m willing. "[7, 8]

Doctor's Perspective: A doctor explained to one patient that they will "probably still have IR after I lose weight" and that they would eventually see about "a long term dose or maybe to take it cyclically. "[14]

Experiences After Stopping or Reducing Medication:

Weight Regain and Symptom Return: A common concern and reported experience is the return of weight and symptoms after stopping. One user shared, "Yes this happened to me. I gained all the weight back after coming off. I didn't workout and eat well like I should have though. "[13] Another who had to stop due to insurance changes said, "My insulin numbers have zoomed up- but I have not gained back the weight, so that’s good. "[16] A user who stopped compounded semaglutide due to side effects reported, "Since then I regained 23lbs over 6 months. "[20] Another user stopped Ozempic for 8 months after insurance issues and said, "I think maybe half the weight came back slowly. Snacking increased.