The weight I lost with GLP-1s came back ‘with taxes’
Doctors are now prescribing GLP-1 medications to children for weight loss, raising new considerations for parents as the popular drugs expand beyond adult use. These treatments, which include semaglutide medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic, have gained widespread use globally and recently became available in New Zealand through pharmacy prescriptions for patients who can afford them. As paediatric prescriptions rise, families face critical choices regarding the health risks, efficacy, and financial barriers associated with these high-profile injections. Medical professionals continue to evaluate the long-term impacts of starting such intensive pharmacological interventions at a young age.
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- ✓ Doctors are prescribing GLP-1 medications to children for weight loss.
- ✓ Wegovy was approved for weight loss by Medsafe in April 2025 in New Zealand.
- ✓ Ozempic received approval for treating type 2 diabetes in 2023.
What changed
Doctors are now prescribing GLP-1 weight-loss medications directly to children.
Live updates
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GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Expand to Children as Doctors Prescribe Treatments
Doctors are now prescribing GLP-1 medications to children for weight loss, raising new considerations for parents as the popular drugs expand beyond adult use. These treatments, which include semaglutide medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic, have gained widespread use globally and recently became available in New Zealand through pharmacy prescriptions for patients who can afford them. As paediatric prescriptions rise, families face critical choices regarding the health risks, efficacy, and financial barriers associated with these high-profile injections. Medical professionals continue to evaluate the long-term impacts of starting such intensive pharmacological interventions at a young age.
Why it matters
Semaglutide drugs were initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes and adult weight management, but their footprint is widening across different patient demographics. In New Zealand, Medsafe approved Wegovy for weight loss in April 2025, following the earlier 2023 approval of Ozempic for diabetes. The expanding availability of these medications forces a re-evaluation of how obesity and metabolic health are managed in younger populations.
What is confirmed
- Doctors are prescribing GLP-1 medications to children for weight loss.
- Wegovy was approved for weight loss by Medsafe in April 2025 in New Zealand.
- Ozempic received approval for treating type 2 diabetes in 2023.
Still unconfirmed
- Specific long-term side effects for children taking GLP-1 medications remain under close medical observation without definitive long-duration safety data in paediatric cohorts.
What to watch next
- Further clinical guidelines from health authorities regarding paediatric GLP-1 prescriptions
- Updated regulatory approvals or restrictions on youth access to weight-loss injections
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.gulf-times.com — tag - Gulf Times
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- politifact.com — Weight loss GLP-1s are everywhere and kids are taking them too. 7 things parents should know
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GLP-1 Weight Loss Access Expands in New Zealand
Novo Nordisk semaglutide medications, marketed as Wegovy and Ozempic, are now available in New Zealand. Medsafe approved Wegovy for weight loss in April 2025, and the injection pens are available at pharmacies for patients with prescriptions and the financial means to afford them. Ozempic, which contains smaller doses of the same drug, received approval for treating type 2 diabetes in 2023. These medications are widely associated with extreme weight loss, though they require professional prescription and significant payment by the user.
Why it matters
GLP-1 drugs suppress appetite to create energy deficits, but users often regain weight after stopping treatment due to the body's defended weight setpoint. Long-term maintenance requires strategies to protect muscle mass and manage expectations. Access to these drugs varies by country and specific medical indication.
What is confirmed
- Medsafe approved Wegovy for weight loss in April 2025.
- Ozempic was approved in New Zealand to treat type 2 diabetes in 2023.
- Wegovy and Ozempic are semaglutide medications manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
What to watch next
- Changes to New Zealand government subsidies for Wegovy to increase accessibility beyond those with deep pockets
- Clinical data on long-term weight maintenance for New Zealand patients using semaglutide
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
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- thespinoff.co.nz — Everything you need to know about Ozempic and Wegovy in New Zealand | The Spinoff
- thespinoff.co.nz — I’ve been on Wegovy for three weeks – here’s what it’s like | The Spinoff
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Weight loss from GLP-1s often returns after stopping treatment
Many people who lose weight using GLP-1 medications experience weight regain after stopping treatment. According to experts, this is because the body maintains a defended weight setpoint through multiple feedback mechanisms. GLP-1s artificially suppress appetite signals, creating an energy deficit, but when the drug is stopped, those signals normalize. To avoid weight regain, experts recommend a four-step strategy for long-term weight maintenance, including protecting muscle mass and having realistic expectations.
Why it matters
The issue of weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications has significant implications for public health, as millions of Americans suffer from obesity-related health conditions. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently spoke publicly about his experience losing 80 pounds using a GLP-1 drug, only to have the weight return. The commercial ecosystem surrounding GLP-1 medications is also growing, with companies like Haleon reporting a surge in U.S. sales for over-the-counter remedies targeting GLP-1 side effects.
What is confirmed
- GLP-1 medications can improve weight, blood sugar, waist size, blood pressure, and some heart and kidney outcomes while treatment continues.
- Much of the progress made on GLP-1 medications can fade after treatment is stopped.
- The body maintains a defended weight setpoint through multiple feedback mechanisms.
- GLP-1s artificially suppress appetite signals, creating an energy deficit that reverses when treatment stops.
Still unconfirmed
- Stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide can lead to weight regain due to increased hunger.
What to watch next
- Further studies on long-term effects of GLP-1 medications
- Decisions on insurance coverage for GLP-1 treatments
- Evidence on muscle loss and lean mass during GLP-1 weight loss
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (11)
- nypost.com — GLP-1 | Latest News | New York Post
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- excellifeintegrativecare.com — How to Avoid Weight Regain After GLP-1s | ExcelLife
- trimrx.com — Long-Term Effects of GLP-1 Medications on Metabolic Health
- nypost.com — weight loss | Latest News | New York Post
- botonomous.ai — Why Do People Regain Weight After Stopping GLP-1s Like ...
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- www.fitandwell.com — How to avoid weight regain after GLP-1s, according to a ...
- www.nobsrx.com — What Happens After You Stop a GLP-1? A Cambridge Analysis Put ...
- natashauspensky.substack.com — Stopping a GLP-1 Without Regaining Weight: My Results
- onedaymd.aestheticsadvisor.com — GLP-1 Medications and Muscle Loss: What the 2026 Evidence ...
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker discloses 80-pound weight loss via GLP-1 drug
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced he lost 80 pounds using a GLP-1 drug following a type 2 diabetes diagnosis two years ago. Pritzker stated he is speaking openly about his experience because millions of Americans suffer from obesity-related health conditions. Separately, Haleon reports a surge in U.S. sales for over-the-counter remedies targeting GLP-1 side effects, with specific shelf placements driving a 24% sales lift in the first quarter. These developments highlight the increasing public visibility and commercial ecosystem surrounding GLP-1 medications.
Why it matters
GLP-1 drugs are used for obesity and diabetes but often lead to rapid weight regain and mental health struggles if discontinued. Some users, particularly athletes, face increased risks of tendon and bone injuries. Commercial markets are now expanding to address the physiological side effects of these treatments.
What is confirmed
- Governor JB Pritzker lost 80 pounds using a GLP-1 drug.
- JB Pritzker was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago.
- Pritzker is speaking about his weight loss because millions of Americans have obesity-related health conditions.
Still unconfirmed
- Haleon saw a 24% sales lift in Q1 due to GLP-1 shelf placement and dual aisle strategies.
- Pritzker's disclosure occurs months before Democrats announce presidential run intentions.
What to watch next
- Official announcements regarding Democratic presidential candidacies.
- Further quarterly sales data from Haleon regarding GLP-1 side-effect remedies.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.briefs.co — Haleon rides GLP-1 boom with higher U.S. sales of side-effect remedies
- www.mercurynews.com — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker discloses diabetes diagnosis, 80-pound weight loss on GLP-1 drug
- www.wbez.org — Gov. Pritzker opens up about his 80-pound weight loss, use of GLP-1 — ‘I think it’s what I need to succeed’
- www.nprillinois.org — Gov. Pritzker opens up about his 80 lb. weight loss, use of GLP-1 — ‘I think it’s what I need to succeed’
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GLP-1 Weight Loss Preserves Muscle and Sparks New Questions
Recent analyses show that most weight lost on GLP-1 obesity drugs comes from fat, while relative muscle mass is largely preserved. However, patients who stop taking medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide face rapid weight regain that can exceed initial losses, triggering mental health challenges such as depression. Meanwhile, doctors and loved ones note that some ideal candidates refuse to take these popular weight-loss drugs. Runners using GLP-1s also face specific concerns regarding bone and tendon injury risks, requiring adjustments to fueling, mileage, and strength training to protect their performance and physical health.
Why it matters
Medical models and major analyses are mapping out post-treatment trajectories to help clinicians address physical and psychological hurdles when patients discontinue therapy. Understanding how the body responds after stopping these medications is critical for long-term obesity care planning. At the same time, lifestyle resistance and physical side effects for active users complicate the broader acceptance of these treatments.
What is confirmed
- Most weight lost with GLP-1 obesity drugs came from fat, while relative muscle mass was largely preserved.
Still unconfirmed
- Some ideal candidates are refusing to take popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs despite being urged by doctors and loved ones.
- Runners taking GLP-1 medications may need to adjust fueling, strength training, and mileage to protect bone health, tendons, and performance.
What to watch next
- Further clinical data on long-term weight regain trajectories after discontinuing GLP-1 therapy.
- Guidance on identifying legitimate compounded GLP-1 providers from risky alternatives.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.usatoday.com — How to tell a legitimate compounded GLP-1 provider from a risky one
- nypost.com — Why overweight ‘GLP-1 deniers’ are refusing to take weight loss drugs — even with a $7k payout
- www.runnersworld.com — Do GLP-1s Increase Bone and Tendon Injury Risk in Runners? Here’s What Doctors Want You to Know
- scitechdaily.com — What Really Disappears When You Lose Weight on GLP-1 Drugs?
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Patients Face Rapid Weight Regain After Stopping GLP-1 Medications
Recent analyses show that patients who stop taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide experience rapid weight regain. Reports indicate that the lost pounds often return quickly, sometimes exceeding initial losses. This rapid regain cycle also triggers mental health concerns, including depression among patients dealing with weight return. Medical models and major analyses are mapping out the specific weight regain curve to better understand long-term planning for obesity treatments. Understanding these post-treatment trajectories helps clinicians address both the physical and psychological challenges patients face when discontinuing therapy.
Why it matters
Treating chronic conditions like obesity with GLP-1 medications requires long-term commitment because discontinuation leads to rapid physiological changes. Researchers are analyzing the exact curve of weight return to improve management strategies. Medical experts are increasingly focusing on the psychological impact, such as depression, that follows the reversal of successful weight loss.
What is confirmed
- Weight returns fast after stopping semaglutide and tirzepatide according to a major analysis and modeling data.
- Depression can occur following GLP-1 weight regain, requiring management strategies.
Still unconfirmed
- Some patients report gaining back lost weight with extra amounts described as taxes.
What to watch next
- Long-term clinical trial data tracking patients years after complete cessation of GLP-1 therapy
- New clinical guidelines for managing the psychological impacts of weight regain
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (5)
- New York Post — The weight I lost with GLP-1s came back ‘with taxes’ — how I finally dropped 100 lbs and kept it off
- Drug Topics — Model Finds Weight Regain After Stopping Semaglutide or Tirzepatide
- medscape.com — How to Help Manage Depression After GLP-1 Weight Regain
- Bioengineer.org — Weight Returns Fast After Stopping Ozempic-Style Drugs, Major Analysis Finds
- techbuzzireland.com — The Weight Regain Curve After Stopping GLP-1 Therapy, and What It Means for Long-Term Planning
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