Many wonder what happens when treatment ends. The STEP 4 study provides important insight on this.
What Does STEP 4 Show?
Patients who stopped semaglutide after 20 weeks regained approximately two-thirds of their weight during the following year. Those who continued maintained their weight loss.
Why Does Regain Occur?
Obesity is a chronic disease with biological mechanisms that counteract weight loss. When the medication is removed, hunger signals return.
Strategies for Success
Build sustainable diet and exercise habits during treatment. Plan the ending together with the care team. Consider maintenance dose or longer treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take the medication forever?
Not necessarily. Some manage without it after establishing new habits. Others need maintenance treatment.
How do we plan the ending?
We discuss this when the time comes and create an individual plan with follow-up.