Verbatim response from Claude
Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medications
Typical Speed
- First 3 months: 5-10% of body weight on average
- 6 months: 10-15% for most people
- 12-18 months: Up to 15-22% with medications like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) tends to perform even better — clinical trials showed ~20-22% average loss
Popular Options to Know
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — FDA-approved specifically for weight loss
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) — newer, often shows stronger results
- Ozempic/Mounjaro — diabetes-approved but widely prescribed off-label
Is It Sustainable? The Honest Answer
The hard truth: Most people regain significant weight (often 2/3 of what was lost) within a year of stopping the medication.
To make it more sustainable:
- Use the appetite suppression window to build lasting habits
- Work with a program like Calibrate or Found that combines medication with coaching
- Treat it as potentially long-term medication, similar to blood pressure drugs
Bottom Line
Results are real and significant, but the medication likely needs to continue for lasting effect. Talk to your doctor about whether it fits your long-term plan.