GLP-1 Treatment Discontinuation Raises Weight Regain Fears Among Midlife Women
GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, are widely used by midlife women for weight management and type 2 diabetes treatment. However, discontinuing these medications often leads to weight regain, causing significant anxiety among users. Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB-GYN, highlights that weight loss through GLP-1s often improves health and confidence, making the prospect of regaining weight distressing. Dr. Rebecca G. Boswell, a clinical psychologist, notes that many women using these drugs have histories of yo-yo dieting and body dysmorphia, exacerbating fears of weight regain. The resurgence of a thin-ideal in cultural narratives further complicates women's relationships with their bodies. Experts recommend thorough screening for eating disorders when prescribing GLP-1s and emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to weight management.