Can GLP-1 medications help with weight maintenance after I've already lost weight?

Yes, GLP-1 medications are increasingly used for weight maintenance after initial weight loss through diet, surgery, or other means. The STEP-5 trial demonstrated that continuing semaglutide after initial weight loss maintains results significantly better than placebo. For maintenance, some providers use lower doses than maximum weight loss doses. The medication helps counteract the biological adaptations that drive weight regain: increased hunger hormones, decreased satiety signals, and metabolic slowing. Insurance coverage for maintenance is challenging - many plans only cover 'treatment' not 'maintenance.' Some patients use compounded semaglutide for maintenance when insurance won't cover brand names long-term. Maintenance dosing may be 50-75% of maximum weight loss dose. Combining medication with strong behavioral habits developed during active loss phase provides the best long-term maintenance outcomes.