GLP-1s: Will I Have to Take Them Forever?

May 19, 2025

This discussion explores the intriguing world of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Experts dive into their evolution, improved dosing methods, and how they effectively promote weight loss. Individual health factors play a crucial role in whether one can taper off these medications. Notably, it's highlighted that body composition and metabolic markers are essential for treatment assessments. Future therapies may even incorporate multi-hormone approaches, enhancing metabolic health beyond current options.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

How GLP-1s Evolved

GLP-1 drugs evolved from twice-daily injections to weekly and oral forms, improving convenience and effectiveness for many people.
Individual response varies, so newer drugs aren't universally superior to older ones.

INSIGHT

What GLP‑1 Actually Does

GLP-1 is a gut incretin that signals nutritional security to the brain and reduces famine signaling.
That shifts brain chemistry to allow energy expenditure and supports glucose-dependent insulin release.

INSIGHT

Famine vs. Security Signals

Metabolism balances 'famine' and 'security' signals that determine whether the body conserves or burns fuel.
Strengthening security signals and lowering famine signals is the treatment goal, not just losing weight.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright break down the latest science behind GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Dr. Cooper shares her decades of expertise on how these drugs work, their evolution, and whether you really have to take them for life.

The episode dives deep into the individual factors that impact tapering off, the importance of metabolic signals (like famine and security signals), and why medication is just one piece of the metabolic puzzle.

Key Takeaways:

GLP-1 medications have advanced significantly, with more convenient dosing and greater effectiveness for many—but responses vary widely from patient to patient.
Weight on the scale isn’t the only measure; body composition, nutrient levels, and metabolic markers are critical in determining treatment and possible tapering.
Not everyone needs to take GLP-1s forever—tapering is possible, but it depends on individual health markers, genetics, and whether metabolic signals are balanced.
The future of metabolic health lies in combination therapies that target multiple pathways, not just GLP-1s.
Dieting alone disrupts metabolic signals, making professional metabolic medicine and nutrition guidance essential for long-term health.

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.
Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.
Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go and stay away. We are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@diabesityinstitute.org or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.

Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute which is on a mission to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/