Trending Now - Inconsistent Use of GLP-1 Drugs May Hinder Weight Loss Success

WHO:

6abc Philadelphia - Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's Leung Lab conducted the study.

WSET - Amy Snead, a GLP-1 medication user, and Cindy Capps, another user, shared their experiences.

WSET - Dr. Michael Jones, an obesity and cardiometabolic specialist, provided insights on GLP-1 drugs.

WSET - Dr. Sid Angadi, an associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Virginia, discussed exercise recommendations.

WSET - Dr. Zhenqi Liu, a physician and endocrinologist at the University of Virginia, commented on weight regain after stopping the medication.

WHAT:

6abc Philadelphia - A study found that inconsistent use of GLP-1 drugs could lead to weight gain instead of loss.

6abc Philadelphia - The study involved cycling mice on and off semaglutide for four months, resulting in weight gain in the group that was interrupted.

WSET - Amy Snead lost 126 pounds using a GLP-1 drug.

WSET - Cindy Capps lost 85 pounds using a GLP-1 drug.

WSET - GLP-1 medications are used by roughly one in eight adults for weight loss.

WSET - Patients may pay up to $1,400 monthly for GLP-1 drugs without insurance.

WHERE:

WSET - Amy Snead resides in Pittsylvania County.

WHEN:

WSET - Amy Snead has been on a GLP-1 medication for two years.

WSET - Cindy Capps has been taking a GLP-1 drug for four years.

WHY:

6abc Philadelphia - More than half of GLP-1 users discontinue the medication within two years, often restarting later.

WSET - Doctors state that long-term success with GLP-1 drugs depends on more than just a weekly injection.

HOW:

6abc Philadelphia - The study indicated that the drug became less effective after interruptions, even after consistent use for 62 days.

WSET - GLP-1 drugs work by slowing down stomach emptying, helping users feel full longer.

WSET - Patients are advised to engage in 150 minutes of activity a week to maintain muscle while losing weight.

(UPDATED May 15, 2026 09:54 UTC)

A new study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Leung Lab has found that inconsistent use of GLP-1 drugs can lead to weight gain instead of loss, particularly after cycling on and off the medication. Amy Snead and Cindy Capps, who have both successfully lost significant weight using GLP-1 medications, shared their experiences, while experts like Dr. Michael Jones and Dr. Sid Angadi emphasized the importance of combining medication with exercise for long-term success. The study also highlighted that more than half of GLP-1 users discontinue the medication within two years, often leading to weight regain, and patients are advised to engage in at least 150 minutes of activity each week to maintain muscle while losing weight.