GLP-1 receptor agonists have rapidly changed the landscape of obesity treatment. In clinical studies, patients lose an average of 15–20% of their body weight, an unprecedented effect compared to prior therapies. However, the enthusiasm often overlooks a difficult truth: nearly two-thirds of patients regain weight once the medication is discontinued, leaving employers with long-term financial exposure.
Physiologically, GLP-1s reduce appetite and alter insulin sensitivity, but they also lead to loss of lean muscle mass unless accompanied by strength training and nutrition. This muscle loss accelerates frailty, worsens metabolic resilience, and makes weight regain more likely. Durable results require a structured lifestyle component that medications alone cannot deliver.
