OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether reduced-frequency dosing of GLP1 receptor agonists maintains weight loss, body composition, and metabolic syndrome improvements following successful initial treatment with standard weekly therapy.
METHODS: This retrospective case series included 30 adults who achieved weight plateau while on weekly semaglutide or tirzepatide. Patients transitioned to reduced-frequency dosing (usually every other week) at their existing dose. Data were collected at three time points: pre-treatment, plateau (weekly dosing), and maintenance (reduced-frequency dosing). Primary outcome was change in body weight from plateau to maintenance. Secondary outcomes included body composition and metabolic syndrome comorbidities.
RESULTS: Patients maintained reduced-frequency dosing for an average of 36.3 weeks. Weight decreased from 87.9 ± 2.4 kg at pre-treatment to 74.1 ± 2.4 kg at plateau and further to 72.4 ± 2.2 kg on maintenance dosing (p < 0.01). Total body and truncal fat declined, while skeletal muscle mass stabilized on the reduced-frequency regimen. Metabolic parameters improved during weekly dosing and these gains were maintained during reduced-frequency therapy.
CONCLUSIONS: In patients with prior weight loss and metabolic improvement on GLP1 therapy, reduced-frequency maintenance dosing preserved outcomes. These findings support structured de-escalation as a promising strategy to reduce treatment burden without sacrificing efficacy.
GLP-1 Therapies