Members in a Virtual Lifestyle Program Show Weight Maintenance 6-12 Months After Stopping A GLP-1
Jeanean B. Naqvi, PhD; Jenna Napoleone, PhD, MPH; Hope Chang, PharmD; Sarah Linke, PhD, MPH
Abstract
Background
Randomized controlled trials have shown weight regain after patients discontinue GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, there is limited real-world evidence to demonstrate the impact of virtual lifestyle change programs on longer-term weight change after discontinuing these medications. Our objective was to evaluate weight change from GLP-1 discontinuation up to 12 months post-discontinuation among adults without diabetes enrolled in a virtual weight management or hypertension program.
Methods
We conducted a real-world, retrospective analysis of prescription claims incurred between 12/21/23 and 5/21/25. GLP-1 medications were considered discontinued when pharmacy claims data indicated the absence of a medication refill ≥60 days following their last prescription’s supply. Eligibility criteria included being on a GLP-1 for ≥3 months, discontinuing their GLP-1 between 3/21/24 and 10/21/24, and remaining off GLP-1s for 6, 9 and/or 12 months. Members also needed to have weight data at baseline and 6, 9 and/or 12 months and meet a minimum threshold for program engagement during discontinuation (≥3 program engagements for ≥3 months). Average percent weight change and proportion of members achieving continued weight loss or weight maintenance (<2% weight gain) were calculated, excluding weight change outliers 3 standard deviations (SD) above and a more conservative 1 SD below the mean to account for potential GLP-1 medications obtained out-of-pocket.
Results
Members in the analysis (N=816) were 64.0% White, 80.6% female, and 46.5 years of age on average. Members who had discontinued their GLP-1 for at least 6 months (n=793) experienced 0.03% (SD = 5.6) average weight change, with the majority (69.6%) of members maintaining or continuing to lose weight. Members who had discontinued their GLP-1 for at least 9 months (n=346) experienced 0.6% (SD = 6.8) average weight change, with 63.3% of members maintaining or continuing to lose weight. Lastly, members who had discontinued their GLP-1 for at least 12 months (n=95) experienced 0.8% (SD = 7.4) average weight change, with 63.2% of members maintaining or continuing to lose weight.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that engaging in a virtual lifestyle program can support weight maintenance 6-12 months after discontinuing GLP-1 treatment, offering a promising strategy to support members on their GLP-1 weight management journey in a real-world setting.
