GLP-1 Maintenance Readiness Check

Before the dose changes, check the structure.

Regain prevention is not only about willpower. Appetite, protein intake, resistance training, sleep, symptoms and follow-up all affect whether the result is easy or difficult to hold.

Answer each question based on the last two weeks, not on your best week.

Use the result as a planning signal, not a diagnosis.

If several foundations are missing, build the maintenance plan before changing medication.

1. Do you have a written maintenance plan for the next 8 to 12 weeks?

Yes, with food structure, training, monitoring and follow-up.Partly, but some pieces are vague.No, I am mostly hoping the result holds.

2. How predictable is your protein intake?

Planned most days, with protein at meals.Somewhat planned, but inconsistent.Not planned. I mostly eat less and hope it is enough.

3. Are you doing resistance training?

Yes, at least two structured sessions per week.Sometimes, but not consistently.No. I am only generally active or mostly walking.

4. What is happening to hunger and cravings?

Stable and manageable.Increasing, but still manageable.Clearly increasing or already difficult to manage.

5. How are you monitoring progress?

Weight trend plus waist, strength, symptoms or body composition.Mostly weight, with occasional other checks.Only the scale, or I avoid checking.

6. Are side effects or digestive symptoms under control?

Yes, symptoms are stable or minimal.Some symptoms remain, but I can manage them.No. Symptoms affect eating, hydration or daily life.

7. Do you have a restart or review plan if weight starts rising?

Yes, I know when to review food, training, dose and follow-up.Partly, but I am not sure about thresholds.No. I would probably react only after obvious regain.

8. How confident are you that your routine works without strong appetite suppression?

Confident. The routine is realistic and repeatable.Moderately confident.Not confident. The medication is doing most of the work.

Why these questions matter

This tool is based on common clinical maintenance problems after weight loss: appetite return, reduced energy expenditure, insufficient protein, missing resistance training, symptom burden and lack of follow-up structure.

Sumithran P et al. Long-term persistence of hormonal adaptations to weight loss. New England Journal of Medicine. 2011;365(17):1597-1604. n=50.
Wilding JPH et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384:989-1002. Randomized trial, n=1961.
Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(3):205-216. Randomized trial, n=2539.
Morton RW et al. Protein supplementation and resistance training meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018;52(6):376-384. Meta-analysis, n=1863.