Introduction — Are GLP-1 Drugs Forever?

Have you heard experts say that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound are forever drugs — because once you stop, you regain all the weight?

I’m not fully convinced that’s true.

I’ve found three promising approaches being developed that may help people stop medication without immediate weight regain.

Each approach is completely different:

• One focuses on the stomach
• One on the brain
• One on structured lifestyle intervention

I’m Dr. Gary Pepper. I’ve practiced endocrinology for over 30 years. This podcast is unsponsored, and I receive no financial compensation from the treatments discussed. This content is educational only and not a substitute for medical care from your physician.

Chapter 1 — Resetting the Gut (DMR)

The first approach is called Duodenal Mucosal Resurfacing (DMR).

The theory is that while you’re on GLP-1 medication, the part of the stomach that normally produces appetite-regulating hormones becomes dormant. After long enough, it may struggle to restart when medication stops.

DMR removes the top layer of the stomach lining using a heated endoscope. This forces regeneration of fresh cells that produce appetite-controlling hormones.

In a short three-month study, patients who underwent the procedure did not regain weight after stopping medication — some continued to lose.

This sounds dramatic, but the technique is already FDA-approved for other stomach conditions. It is not yet approved for weight management, but it shows where research is heading.

Chapter 2 — Retraining the Brain (rTMS)

The second approach targets the brain instead of the gut.

It’s called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) — already used for depression treatment.

Magnetic coils stimulate appetite control centers in the brain. After just five weeks of treatment, participants lost as much weight over a year as those taking semaglutide for a full year.

This is early research, but it suggests appetite control may eventually be trained neurologically rather than chemically.

Chapter 3 — Exercise as Hormone Rehabilitation

The third approach is the most practical and immediately available: structured exercise.

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen studied people stopping GLP-1 medication after a year of use.

Those who followed a structured program of resistance and cardio training regained almost no weight — averaging about five pounds over a year.

Those returning to sedentary habits regained most of their weight.

Exercise appeared to restore the body’s natural GLP-1-like hormone production.

This is not about willpower.

It’s biological rehabilitation.

Closing — A Changing Landscape

These three approaches show that weight regain after GLP-1 is not inevitable.

The science is evolving quickly.

I’ll continue tracking new developments and sharing updates here.

Thanks for listenin

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

🎙️ What Happens After the Weight Loss Shot?

You’ve lost the weight. You’ve changed your life. But now comes the real challenge—how do you maintain your progress once the GLP-1 injections stop?

In this powerful episode of Dr. Pepper… Really?, endocrinologist Dr. Gary Pepper and guest host Cici dive into real, anonymous stories from people facing the dilemma of life after medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound.

From fears of regaining weight to losing insurance coverage, we unpack the tough questions:
👉 Can you taper off safely?
👉 Is rebound weight gain inevitable?
👉 What lifestyle strategies really work?

Whether you’re currently on a GLP-1 med, considering it, or thinking about stopping, this conversation is packed with honest insights, expert guidance, and practical next steps.

🔗 Listen now and explore free tools at metabolism.com including our protein calculator and transition guides.
📲 Follow us for more no-hype, evidence-based info on metabolic health.

The Dr. Pepper, Really? podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice or treatment. Please consult with your own personal healthcare provider for advice about starting or changing medications or other treatments.

#GLP1 #Ozempic #Wegovy #WeightLossJourney #MetabolicHealth #Endocrinology #HealthPodcast #Zepbound #GLP1Withdrawal #WeightRegain #DoctorPepperReally

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

An Overlooked Risk of Modern Weight Loss Treatment

If you're considering or already using weight loss injections like Ozempic, Zepbound, or Wegovy, this is a conversation you can't afford to miss.

In under 9 minutes, this episode of Dr. Pepper...Really? will open your eyes to a little-known health concern hiding behind the weight loss hype—bone loss. Host Dr. Gary Pepper, a seasoned endocrinologist, introduces Linda, a postmenopausal woman weighing her options, to explore the deeper risks tied to rapid weight reduction.

What you’ll learn:

• Why losing weight quickly—especially after menopause—could accelerate bone thinning
  
  
  
• The silent risk of fractures and the shocking reality of post-fracture outcomes
  
  
  
• Why the FDA doesn’t require bone safety data in weight loss drug trials
  
  
  
• What simple screening and prevention steps you should be taking now
  
  
  
• How to protect yourself from malnutrition and bone loss with the right tools and knowledge
  
  
  

Unlike typical wellness advice, this podcast digs into the real science and unspoken gaps in our current weight loss culture. It’s not about fear—it’s about informed choices. You’ll walk away with practical strategies and a new perspective on how to lose weight without losing your health.

The podcast also introduces listeners to semagludiet.com, a one-stop resource designed to support people using GLP-1 medications. The site features free tools, meal plans, and the CSS Diet System—an innovative plate and bowl set that promotes portion control while maintaining nutrient density, helping you preserve muscle and bone during weight loss.

This conversation also highlights the role of metabolism.com and the Dr. Pepper...Really? podcast in giving voice to medical concerns that often fly under the radar. When public messaging from pharmaceutical companies or regulators fails to capture the full picture, we step in to fill the gap with real talk backed by medical insight.

And if you're wondering why you haven’t heard this anywhere else, you’re not alone. The lack of public awareness may not be accidental—but this podcast isn’t about finger-pointing. It’s about empowerment through information.

Whether you’re a healthcare consumer, a concerned friend, or just curious about what’s really going on behind the headlines, this episode will change how you view weight loss treatments—and what questions you should be asking next.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your personal healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Portions of this episode have been enhanced using artificial intelligence to optimize accessibil

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.