First paragraph (58 words) Washington University researchers found that stopping GLP-1 medications like semaglutide increases heart attack and stroke risk by 22% after two years off-treatment, per a BMJ Medicine study tracking 333,000 US veterans with type 2 diabetes.

Second paragraph (61 words) Participants who paused GLP-1s for six months saw cardiovascular risks rise sharply, with metabolic markers like blood pressure and cholesterol rebounding. Study author Ziyad Al-Aly warned that weight regain is visible, but the drug's protective effects on inflammation and heart health vanish quickly without sustained use.

Third paragraph (59 words) Restarting GLP-1 therapy only partially restored benefits: those on continuous treatment saw 18% lower cardiovascular risk versus 12% for restarters. Al-Aly called this "metabolic whiplash" a lasting hazard, urging clinicians to prioritize long-term adherence over short-term weight loss goals.

Fourth paragraph (61 words) With half of GLP-1 users discontinuing treatment within months, health systems must develop retention strategies. The findings underscore that GLP-1s require lifelong management for chronic conditions, not just temporary weight control.