Telehealth appointments can boost impact of weight-loss drugs, study finds Image By HPN Staff Regular telehealth appointments for obesity patients could significantly improve the effectiveness of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are often prescribed online without follow-up, new research has shown. That could be significant when it comes to long-term weight loss success. The medications, known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs, were originally developed to treat diabetes but have surged in popularity due to their weight-loss properties. The drugs are regularly prescribed via telehealth platforms, but patients are rarely asked to engage in follow-up appointments that promote healthier habits. Researchers with the Cleveland Clinic conducted a six-month study to determine the effectiveness of pairing GLP-1 drugs with online coaching on diet and exercise. Key measures — including quality of life and eating behaviors — all improved when patients using glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs took part in the “virtual behavioral program,” the researchers found. Why it matters Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults are either obese or overweight, according to a November 2024 study published in The Lancet medical journal. Separately, data compiled by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that the U.S. has the highest obesity rate of any of the world’s major economies. Beyond the human cost, the economic impact of the obesity epidemic is significant. “Obesity costs the US healthcare system almost $173 billion a year,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obesity raises the risk of type-2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, the CDC warns. Moreover, obesity has also impacted the nation’s military readiness. “Only 2 in 5 young adults are weight-eligible and physically prepared for basic training,” the CDC says. The use of GLP-1 drugs has been a game-changer for many, with its use exploding in recent years. From 2019 to 2024, the number of overweight or obese patients taking these drugs increased by 587 percent, according to the research and data non-profit Fair Health. However, research suggests that most patients stop taking the drugs within two years and gain back much of the weight that they lost. By working with a medical professional in person or over telehealth platforms, patients could make more informed decisions about how long to stay on these medications and form healthier habits around diet and exercise — helping to lock in their weight loss for longer or even permanently. More detail The Cleveland Clinic’s study tracked a series of indicators, including Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQOL) and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). When GLP-1 drugs were accompanied by follow-up telehealth services, the average IWQOL score increased from 54.7 to 67.12 after three months and increased again to 75.1 after six months. Meanwhile, the average EDE-Q score — which measures negative eating behaviors — also improved, dropping from 1.9 to 1.6 over three months and dropping further to 1.3 over six months. “A virtual intervention that combines obesity telemedicine and a GLP-1 specific behavioral program elicited significant improvements in quality of life and eating behaviors,” the researchers wrote in the journal Diabetes. “Telehealth options for obesity care may improve outcomes outside of weight loss.”
