Should You Stay on GLP-1s Long-Term? My Take (And Why It's Like a Wheelchair)
posted on: January 29, 2026. posted in: Weight loss, Health
We've had a great question put to us on the fan page...
"Rebelfit, please can you tell us should, in your opinion, people continue GLP use long term to avoid regain? Is this a case of health for the rich?"
Many years ago I was on holiday in Spain, and I managed to break my ankle very badly. When I got to the hospital I was put in a wheelchair (one of those ones with your leg up out in front) and it immediately brought me huge relief. I could move around, without the pain or discomfort of my broken ankle hanging below me, and I was immensely grateful that this chair with wheels had been invented.
Sure enough, I was x-rayed, casted up, then sent on my way with strong painkillers and crutches. But for that short moment of time I spent in that wheelchair, I had a sense. An appreciation. Lived experience, you might say, of how important they are, and how life changing they must be for so many people.
Thankfully my use of the wheelchair was short-lived, moving to crutches very quickly. Then with time, physio, rehab and strengthening, I was able to wave goodbye to the crutches too, and walk fully on my own again.
Others, sadly, aren't so lucky.
Some people have severe injuries that require much longer timescales in a wheelchair - months or even years potentially. I'm sure you also appreciate that there are many people who live with permanent disabilities, through no fault of their own, that mean they need to use a wheelchair for life.
I suppose you could categorise wheelchair users into 4 main types.
• Those who need them for very short periods, days to weeks.
• Those who need them for moderate periods, months to years.
• Those who need them forever, the rest of their lives, and
• Those who don't need them at all, abusing their use.
GLP-1 use follows very similar logic.
__________
Some of my clients use GLP-1s for a short period, just a matter of weeks. Maybe to regain control of their appetite and food noise as they kickstart major lifestyle changes, then taper off successfully once optimal nutrition and strength training is habitual and doing the heavy work. They "graduate" from short-term use of that wheelchair (a high dose), to crutches (a lower dose), to walking on their own, so to speak.
Many of my clients need them for moderate periods, months to years, while they heal their relationship with food, rebuild muscle lost from chronic dieting, and fix their underlying hormonal and metabolic issues. In much the same way as someone with a serious physical injury can require the use of a wheelchair for months or years, in order to heal, someone with a significant slimming club injury (e.g. an eating disorder, or hormonal / metabolic issues) may need a GLP-1 for that timescale as they do their healing work too.
Many more of my clients, especially those with severe or long-standing obesity, or living with diabetes, will need them long-term, perhaps for life, to maintain the health gains. Just like someone with a permanent spinal injury relies on their wheelchair daily for mobility, independence, and to avoid pain/complications.
You wouldn't tell someone with a permanent spinal injury...
“You should come off the wheelchair as soon as possible, otherwise you’ll become reliant.”
What we actually say is...
“Use it for as long as you need it, and if that's for life, you deserve to use it, free from shame.”
We don't tell people living with chronic hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol to "just stop" their lifelong meds and rely on willpower alone. We accept those as chronic treatments. Many cases of obesity deserve the same respect. There is no shame in needing ongoing support if it keeps you healthier, more mobile, and living better.
Which brings us to the second part.
Is this "health for the rich"?
Sadly, yes, in many ways it currently is, and I believe that's a real problem.
These medications can cost hundreds of pounds per month privately, and while NHS access exists, it is limited by criteria and waiting lists. Not everyone qualifies, and private use puts it out of reach for many.
The good news? Things are evolving. I predict, or at least hope, that in the not too distant future there will be a new generation of similar medications, or better access and pricing, that are much more affordable. I imagine once upon a time wheelchairs were financially out of reach for many, but now they're something much more within people's reach.
Liam x
Rebelfit
p.s. If you're figuring out your own GLP-1 journey (whether starting, staying on, trying to taper, worrying about costs/side effects, or just needing some straight-talk advice) please get in touch. Email me at liam@rebelfit.co.uk with a quick note about your situation, and I'll get back to you personally to help however I can, or point you towards the right support.
Rebels are never alone in this, we're all figuring it out together.
