Weight Loss Achievable Despite Interruptions in GLP-1 Medication Access, Study Finds

New real-world data suggest that patients can achieve clinically significant weight loss with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist treatment, even when access to medication is interrupted—provided the therapy is supported by intensive lifestyle changes and coaching. The findings were presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco.

The retrospective analysis included 6 392 individuals enrolled in a commercial metabolic health program offering GLP-1 medications and one-on-one coaching focused on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional health. The majority of participants (72.5%) experienced at least one disruption in GLP-1 access due to factors such as medication shortages or changes in insurance coverage. A smaller proportion (11.1%) experienced multiple interruptions.

After 12 months, participants who had interruptions in GLP-1 access achieved a mean weight loss of 13.7%, while those without interruptions lost 17.0% of body weight. At 24 months, these figures increased to 14.9% and 20.1%, respectively. Even among participants who received only 1 to 4 GLP-1 prescriptions in the first year, average weight loss exceeded 10%, meeting thresholds for clinical significance.

“While unpredictable GLP-1 medication access is frustrating, the good news is that our research shows effective weight loss can still be achieved if paired with appropriate lifestyle changes and coaching support,” Kaelen L. Medeiros, MS, director of data and research at Calibrate, a New York–based metabolic health company that conducted the study, said in a press release.

Participants received an average of 8.13 GLP-1 fills during the first year and 15.25 fills during the second. Investigators concluded that while consistent medication access is associated with greater weight loss, significant outcomes are still possible with intermittent treatment when comprehensive lifestyle support is in place.

Medeiros emphasized the importance of educating patients about the additive value of behavior modification, especially in light of ongoing challenges with medication access. “It’s important that patients understand the significant impact that lifestyle changes and coaching paired with treatment can have on their health outcomes,” she said in the press release.

Source: Study finds patients with interrupted GLP-1 access still achieve significant weight loss. News release. Endocrine Society. July 14, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/endo-annual-meeting/endo-2025-press-releases/medeiros-press-release