Verbatim response from Claude
Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medications
Typical Timeline
- First 1-3 months: 1-2 lbs per week is common as your body adjusts
- Months 3-12: Gradual slowing, but continued loss
- Overall: Most people lose 15-22% of body weight over 12-18 months at full dose
Specific Drug Comparisons
- Wegovy (semaglutide) - Clinical trials showed ~15% average body weight loss
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) - Currently the strongest option, showing ~20-22% average loss in trials
- Ozempic - Primarily a diabetes drug but widely used off-label, slightly less weight loss than Wegovy
Is It Sustainable? The Honest Answer
The catch: Most people regain significant weight (often 2/3 of what was lost) within 1-2 years of stopping the medication.
What helps make it more sustainable:
- Using the time on medication to build genuine habit changes
- Strength training to preserve muscle mass
- Working with a dietitian
- Programs like Calibrate or Found that bundle lifestyle coaching with prescriptions
Bottom Line
GLP-1s work well but are likely a long-term or permanent commitment for most people to maintain results. Talk to your doctor about realistic expectations for your situation.