A health expert has outlined what to keep in mind before beginning GLP-1 weight-loss medications, including what can happen after you stop taking them.
Data published last year suggested GLP-1 use for weight-loss has become increasingly common in the US: around one in eight Americans reported having tried these drugs, and 14 percent said they were interested in giving them a go.
The same RAND report noted the rapid growth in demand, finding that GLP-1 prescriptions have more than tripled since 2020.
With medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro in the spotlight, people are often reminded to look into how they work, what side effects to watch for, and what realistic outcomes look like. Aaron Arman, Superintendent Pharmacist at CheqUp, has shared key points he believes people should consider before starting treatment.
He explains that understanding the process—from how these drugs act in the body to what results are achievable—can help people start with clearer expectations.
One of the biggest considerations, he says, is recognising that GLP-1s aren’t a rapid, effortless solution and that long-term outcomes typically require broader changes too.
“What matters most is setting expectations,” said Aaron. “This isn’t a quick fix, and long‑term success depends on pairing medication with lifestyle change and the right support.”
He added that the early stage of treatment is often focused on getting used to the medication and building the foundations that make progress more sustainable later on.
The expert added: “The first few months (the titration period) are about getting the body used to the medication, managing side effects and instilling healthy habits.”
Because GLP-1 medications affect the digestive system, some people may notice gut-related side effects—particularly at the beginning or when the dose changes.
Aaron explained: “GLP‑1 medicines work by slowing digestion and helping regulate appetite and blood sugar. Because they act on the gut, some people might experience small gastrointestinal side effects early on-such as nausea, reflux, bloating ,or constipation – especially in the first few weeks or after a dose increase.”
He also stressed that problems are more likely when people try to speed through dosing or use the drugs without appropriate medical guidance.
Going on to discuss possible risks of GLP-1s, he shared: “The biggest risks come from rushing dose increases or using medication without proper clinical oversight. It works best as part of a structured health plan with ongoing check‑ins, so people stay safe and get results they can maintain.”
Another point people often ask about is what happens when treatment ends. According to Aaron, appetite and digestion may gradually return toward how they were before the medication.
“When GLP‑1 treatment is stopped, appetite and digestion can shift back towards pre‑treatment levels,” said Aaron. “If someone hasn’t built sustainable habits alongside the medication, that’s when they’re most vulnerable to regain.”
He said maintaining progress after stopping tends to come down to the routines developed while on the medication, and having a plan in place before making changes.
Aaron shared: “The best way to reduce rebound is planning and support. Stopping should be a considered decision, ideally guided, with a focus on regular meals, sufficient protein, and realistic portions.
“Long‑term success isn’t defined by the fastest drop on the scales. It’s defined by whether the habits you build while losing weight can carry you forward once the medication changes or ends.”
With reports of increased illicit sales of medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, Aaron also cautioned that people should only source prescriptions through appropriate, trustworthy channels, noting the importance of obtaining medication from ‘a safe and reliable source’.
Finally, he emphasised that professional input shouldn’t be treated as optional—especially when it comes to side effects, dose adjustments, or deciding how and when to stop.
“Reclaiming your health isn’t always easy, and nobody should be left navigating dosing decisions, side effects, or stopping plans alone,” Aaron said.
“Support cannot be an afterthought – it has to be a core part of using the medication safely and properly.”