Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have dominated weight loss headlines. While these GLP-1 drugs can produce impressive short-term results, there's a critical question most people aren't asking: what happens when you stop taking them? As a registered dietitian, I want to share what the research actually shows — and why nutrition coaching may be a better long-term investment.
The Problem with Weight Loss Medications
A 2023 study in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that patients who stopped taking semaglutide (the drug in Ozempic and Wegovy) regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost within one year. Why? Because the medication suppresses appetite artificially — it doesn't teach you how to eat, how to manage cravings, or how to maintain healthy habits without pharmaceutical support.
There are also significant side effects to consider: nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis risk, and gastrointestinal issues affect many users. And these medications are expensive — often $300+ per month without insurance coverage, which many plans don't provide for weight loss indications.
Why Dietitian-Led Programs Produce Lasting Results
Research published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics shows that medical nutrition therapy provided by registered dietitians leads to sustained weight loss and improved health markers. The key difference: we teach you skills and habits that stay with you for life, not dependency on a medication.
When you work with a dietitian, you learn to understand your hunger and fullness cues, make satisfying food choices that support your goals, navigate social situations and restaurants, and build a relationship with food that doesn't require restriction or willpower. These are skills that compound over time — the longer you practice them, the easier healthy eating becomes.
The Cost Comparison
Here's something many people don't realize: working with a registered dietitian is often completely FREE if you have Blue Cross Blue Shield or United Healthcare insurance. These plans typically cover nutrition therapy at 100%. Compare that to weight loss medications that can cost $12,000+ per year out of pocket — and that you may need to take indefinitely to maintain results.
When Medications Might Make Sense
I'm not saying weight loss medications are never appropriate. For some individuals with severe obesity or weight-related health conditions, they can be a helpful tool — ideally in combination with nutrition counseling. But for most people seeking to lose weight, starting with a registered dietitian makes more sense: it's more sustainable, often free, and teaches skills that last a lifetime.