For years, I’ve been passionately involved in building things: businesses, innovative tools, even communities. But one topic that has grown massively in relevance is health technology, particularly the rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists like tirzepatide. These drugs, often hailed as a game-changer for weight loss, have become a hot topic amongst startup founders discussing the future of health tech. Yet new studies suggest that while these medications may be effective, they’re not without their challenges.
If you’ve been following the health tech space or considering new ventures within it, understanding this class of drugs is essential, not just for the opportunity, but for the constraints and responsibilities tied to them. Let’s unpack why "safe off-ramps," or the ability to stop these drugs without major repercussions, are proving elusive and what lessons we can learn as entrepreneurs and innovators.
Why GLP-1 Drugs Are Gaining Popularity
For starters, GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide and others under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy are more than their reputation as “weight loss solutions.” They aim to manage chronic conditions, improving metabolic health and reducing risks tied to obesity. Clinical trials back their effectiveness, showing participants often lose a significant proportion of their weight and see improvements in cardiovascular and metabolic markers.
That kind of impact is transformative for millions struggling with obesity, and not just individuals, but also healthcare systems globally. Obesity contributes to higher healthcare costs, lost productivity, and other issues that even policymakers and business owners are working to address.
Main Findings: Trouble with Stopping
But here’s the catch, the benefits don’t stick if you stop taking these medications. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed troubling data: after stopping tirzepatide, 82% of participants regained at least 25% of the weight they initially lost. Over half regained over 50% of the lost weight. Alongside this rebound came a reversal of crucial health benefits like reduced blood pressure and improved glucose levels.
While some participants maintained modest weight loss after stopping, the vast majority experienced what clinicians refer to as “weight cycling,” where weight returns, often predominantly as fat. This phenomenon doesn’t just undo the success; it adds new risks, such as an increased chance of metabolic complications.
So why is this a concern for entrepreneurs? Because chronic-use medications require comprehensive long-term strategies, not only in terms of science but also in consumer education and adherence. It’s a reality that reminds us of the responsibility founders bear when building in health or wellness sectors. Flawed assumptions, whether scientific, behavioral, or operational, can lead to failed projects or even harm to users.
The Numbers Paint a Complex Picture
Here are some highlights to keep in mind:
- Recurrence Statistics: In a controlled study, nearly 4 in 5 participants lost their benefits post-treatment. Of those who stopped, 57% gained half or more of their lost weight back.
- Chronic Use Likely Necessary: As noted in the research commentary, GLP-1 drugs appear better approached as lifelong management tools, similar to cholesterol-lowering statins, rather than temporary fixes.
- Unknown Variables: No concrete predictors exist for who might retain weight loss after stopping treatment. This calls for further clinical research.
- Lifestyle Factors Matter, But Are Not Enough: Even with careful diet and exercise adherence, most patients struggled to maintain their progress without the medication.
How to Approach GLP-1 from a Business Perspective
1. Understand the True Problem
Having worked on many businesses, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of solving a real, ongoing problem. While the obesity epidemic is pressing, always dig deeper: Why is weight loss often not sustainable? What barriers do people face in treatment adherence? As a founder, your role is to uncover these layers.
2. Build for Longevity
Chronic-use medications demand robust long-term structures, think subscription pricing models, patient counseling programs, or even gamified adherence strategies. A digital companion app offering emotional and behavioral support could be the missing element to help consumers commit over time.
3. Educate Your Market Strategically
Many people start using drugs like GLP-1s under the impression it’s a one-time fix. This misconception sets them up for disillusionment when the inevitable weight regain occurs after stopping. If your product or service hinges on lifestyle changes or continuity, sell that vision upfront.
4. Factor Accessibility into Your Model
Insurance coverage nuances greatly impact who has access to GLP-1 drugs. Entrepreneurs launching health startups must consider financial inclusion. Partner with insurers, negotiate fair pricing structures, or incorporate support mechanisms to avoid leaving vulnerable populations behind.
Most Common Pitfalls in Health-based Businesses
- Overpromising Outcomes: Consumers struggle with trust, and exaggerated claims will only backfire. Make sure your messaging is scientifically sound.
- Ignoring Long-Term Engagement: Focusing solely on getting customers to subscribe misses the more extensive challenge: keeping them engaged.
- Overlooking Behavioral Science: Designing human-centered products ensures adoption. Behavior design, even nudges, can greatly enhance adherence.
- Falling Out of Touch with Evidence: Clinical innovations evolve rapidly. A failure to stay updated can lead to lagging relevance.
Lessons for Female Entrepreneurs in Europe
As a woman in tech, often in male-dominated spaces like deeptech or AI, you already get that resilience is not optional. I see women over and over again set out to create something impactful, only to get bogged down by fears of failure or competition. Let’s connect this to today’s health tech trends. GLP-1 developers quantifiably saw 82% of participants rebound once prescriptions stopped, and yet, they’re pushing forward with innovation rather than abandoning the problem.
These struggles mirror entrepreneurship. Just because a solution isn’t perfect doesn’t mean you give up. You iterate. You communicate flaws transparently. You empower customers to make informed choices. This is particularly vital for women founders, our voices can advocate not just for the product, but also for fair practices, inclusivity, and social progress.
Moving Ahead
We are still in early days when it comes to understanding GLP-1 drugs, from their biological mechanisms to their social implications. For founders and business leaders, this means the usual advice: keep an eye on peer-reviewed data, remain flexible to unexpected outcomes, and think ahead about the human aspect. Use platforms like JAMA Internal Medicine and insights from research-driven articles to stay informed. Whether you’re in e-health, app development, or related fields, anticipate your customers’ entire journey, not just the success phase.
Medical science might feel removed from entrepreneurship at first glance, yet they share a critical similarity: persistence is not optional. And for women in business, that’s a lesson we already know by heart.
FAQ
1. What are GLP-1 drugs, and why are they gaining popularity?
GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide are designed for managing chronic conditions such as obesity and metabolic health. They help patients lose significant weight while improving cardiovascular and metabolic markers, making them transformative for individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Learn more about GLP-1 drugs
2. Do GLP-1 drugs have long-term efficacy after treatment stops?
Studies reveal that GLP-1 drugs' benefits often reverse once treatment stops, 82% of participants regain at least 25% of lost weight, and 57% regain over 50%, along with worsening blood pressure and glucose levels. Explore findings about GLP-1 withdrawal
3. Could GLP-1 drugs cause harmful weight cycling?
Weight cycling has been observed after discontinuing GLP-1 drugs, with regained weight predominantly being fat mass, which may contribute to new health risks. Read more about weight cycling risks
4. Should GLP-1 drugs be considered short-term or long-term treatment?
Experts suggest that GLP-1 medications should be regarded as long-term tools akin to chronic disease medications like statins, rather than short-term fixes. Learn why GLP-1 drugs require long-term use
5. Is it possible to taper off GLP-1 drugs safely?
Current studies primarily focus on abrupt withdrawal rather than tapering strategies or intermittent dosage adjustments, requiring further clinical research. Understand withdrawal challenges
6. Why is insurance coverage a key issue for GLP-1 drug users?
Sudden loss of insurance coverage could lead to abrupt discontinuation, exposing patients to health risks associated with weight regain and metabolic complications. Explore the role of insurance and GLP-1 adherence
7. Do lifestyle changes alone sustain weight loss after stopping GLP-1 drugs?
Studies indicate that even strict diet and exercise adherence may not prevent significant metabolic reversals and weight regain post-treatment. Learn more about lifestyle limitations
8. How can businesses innovate within the GLP-1 drug space?
Entrepreneurs can focus on long-term solutions such as digital tools to improve customer adherence, educational campaigns, and supportive strategies for continued usage of chronic treatments. Explore business strategies for GLP-1 innovation
9. Are women entrepreneurs uniquely positioned to tackle health tech challenges?
Yes, drawing resilience from navigating male-dominated industries, women founders are equipped to iterate, engage inclusively, and address challenges in health tech, including GLP-1 drug development. Learn about women's role in health tech
10. What insights can healthcare professionals provide regarding GLP-1 usage?
Physicians recommend treating GLP-1 drugs as chronic therapies and educating patients upfront about their long-term commitment to avoid disillusionment and health reversals. Read guidance for healthcare providers
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
