What Happens When the GLP-1 Prescription Ends?
- Cecilia Basbus
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
The Role of Lifestyle & Health Coaching in Long-Term Success
Over the past few years, GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic® (semaglutide) and Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) have transformed the weight-management landscape. Patients often see dramatic improvements in appetite control and early weight loss. But here’s the challenge many physicians and patients quietly admit:
👉 What happens when the prescription ends—or when weight plateaus despite continued use?
The Evidence We Need to Pay Attention To
A 2022 study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that patients regained two-thirds of their lost weight within one year after stopping semaglutide. Link to study here
Research in JAMA Network Open (2021) showed that without structured lifestyle support, muscle mass loss can be as high as 39% of total weight lost during GLP-1 treatment. Link to study here
In real-world practice, many physicians report patients struggling with plateaus, digestive symptoms, and weight regain if nutrition and behavior changes are not addressed.
This is where health coaching becomes the missing piece of the puzzle.
My Experience Working With GLP-1 Patients
At CB Health & Wellness, we’ve coached patients who started on GLP-1 medications and felt discouraged when weight loss slowed or muscle loss became visible. With structured coaching, here’s what we’ve observed:
Preserved Muscle Mass: By combining resistance training with high-protein, whole food plant-based meals, patients maintain their metabolism instead of feeling weaker.
Better Blood Sugar Control: One patient lowered their A1C by 1.2 points in just three months by pairing GLP-1 with a tailored plant-based nutrition plan.
Improved Adherence: Patients often say, “I finally know what to eat when I’m not hungry all the time.”
Confidence Beyond the Medication: A client recently shared, “For the first time in years, I feel like I can do this without relying only on injections.”
What Patients Tell Us
“The medication helped me start, but the coaching helped me finish the job.”
“I was afraid to stop Ozempic, but learning how to eat and exercise the right way gave me peace of mind.”
“I finally understand my body and how to fuel it.”
Why Physicians Are Taking Notice
Doctors are experts in prescribing, diagnosing, and monitoring. Coaches are experts in behavior change, nutrition application, and accountability. When physicians and coaches collaborate, patients don’t just lose weight—they learn how to keep it off for life.
✅ The Bottom Line: GLP-1s can be an effective tool, but they are not the long-term solution on their own. Pairing medications with structured nutrition, exercise, and health coaching dramatically improves sustainability, protects muscle, and builds habits that last well beyond the prescription.
📩 At CB Health & Wellness, we support both physicians and patients by bridging this gap. If you’re a doctor looking for ways to enhance patient outcomes—or a patient seeking long-term strategies—we’re here to help.
Start Your New Health Journey Today
If you’re ready to experience the physical and mental benefits of a new lifestyle, reach out to me for a personalized consultation. Let’s take the first step towards a happier, healthier, and more energized you.
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