Weight loss medications have taken center stage in obesity care — and for good reason. Medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are helping people lose more weight than ever before. But with rapid adoption comes a lot of noise: myths, half-truths, and confusion about how these treatments actually work.
Whether you’re a self-funded employer trying to design a cost-effective benefit, or an employee exploring your options, understanding the reality behind these medications is essential.
Let’s break down the six most common myths — and what the data really says.
Myth 1: Weight loss medications are a quick fix
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) have changed the game in obesity treatment. But they’re not a magic solution. These drugs help regulate appetite and blood sugar, but they don’t teach you how to build habits, cope with emotional eating, or manage stress — all of which are essential to long-term success.
In fact, a JAMA study showed that most patients regain weight within 12 months of stopping semaglutide.
Lasting results require more than medication. They require behavior change. That’s why GLP-1s should be seen as a tool, not the solution.
Myth 2: Higher doses always lead to better results
A common misconception is that more medication = more weight loss. But research — and real-world results — say otherwise.
At Embla, we follow a "lowest effective dose" model:
- We start members at the lowest clinically appropriate dose
- We hold them there for as long as they're making progress
- We increase only if progress stalls and other strategies have been exhausted
This approach isn’t just about cost. It reduces side effects like nausea, fatigue, and digestive discomfort — which are a major reason people drop out.
Across thousands of members, Embla has seen 16.7% average weight loss using 66% less GLP-1 medication compared to traditional escalation protocols.
Myth 3: Once you stop taking GLP-1s, the weight stays off
This is one of the most damaging myths. Many people assume that once they’ve lost weight on medication, they can stop and maintain results. But studies consistently show that most patients regain weight after stopping — especially if they haven’t addressed the habits and patterns that contributed to weight gain in the first place.
In the STEP 1 extension study, published in JAMA, participants regained two-thirds of their lost weight within one year of stopping semaglutide.
That’s why coaching is essential. It equips people with the psychological tools and support to maintain progress without lifelong medication.
Myth 4: Coaching doesn’t matter if you’re on medication
Medication helps reduce appetite. Coaching helps people work with their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors — so they can make changes that last.
At Embla, every member gets:
- Weekly 1:1 video coaching with the same provider
- A personalized plan tailored to their lifestyle and goals
- Tools from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to handle stress, setbacks, and unhelpful food-related habits
The result? Higher engagement, stronger outcomes, and smoother transitions off medication.
Myth 5: Everyone should be on the highest dose
Some programs escalate everyone to the maximum dose — fast. But this one-size-fits-all approach is not only expensive, it’s risky.
Higher doses increase the likelihood of side effects like vomiting, fatigue, gallbladder issues, and more. They also make it harder for people to taper off later, increasing dependency and pharmacy spend.
At Embla, dose escalation happens only if progress has completely stalled — and after we’ve addressed other lifestyle and behavioral factors. That means better adherence and lower long-term cost.
Myth 6: You can’t measure the ROI of weight loss medication
You absolutely can — but only if you track more than prescriptions.
At Embla, we measure:
- Weight loss over time
- Average GLP-1 dose usage
- Tapering and offboarding rates
- Coaching engagement and retention
This kind of data gives insight into long-term outcomes — not just short-term results — and helps stakeholders make more informed decisions about coverage and care design.
Final thoughts: GLP-1s without structure are just another cost
Medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are powerful tools — but without the right framework, they become expensive, unsustainable benefits.
If you're serious about outcomes — and serious about cost — your program needs:
- A lowest-effective-dose philosophy
- Structured coaching support
- A clear clinical off-ramp
- Transparent outcome tracking
That’s how Embla helps employers deliver lasting weight loss with fewer side effects, stronger engagement, and less medication.