Last month, the survey firm Statista published Americans’ most common 2026 resolutions. Three of the top five involved losing weight, eating healthy and exercising more.
But studies also show a quarter of the once-hopeful abandon their goals within the first week, and more than half quit by Feb. 1. Fewer than 1 in 10 stick it out to success. So for many, the pounds stay on, year after year.
2026 might be the year that changes.
UVA Health’s Dr. Cate Varney says new GLP-1 medications can help patients who have been unable to shed sufficient weight, but the injections or pills must be paired with lifestyle changes for the full benefit. (Contributed photo)
For the first time in generations of failed weight-loss resolutions, a new class of drugs is now commonly available and frequently prescribed, either as injections or in a pill that was approved just this week. UVA Health’s Dr. Cate Varney chatted with UVA Today about GLP-1 medications, who needs them to reach their resolutions, and who doesn’t.
Q. Briefly, how do medications like GLP-1 work?
A. GLP‑1 is a naturally occurring hormone released mainly from the gut in response to eating. It helps regulate blood glucose, increases glucose uptake into cells and slows the gastrointestinal, or GI, tract to maximize nutrient absorption. In the brain, it signals, “I’m full, I’m satisfied.”
The issue is our own GLP‑1 is rapidly degraded, with a half‑life of only one to two minutes. GLP‑1 receptor agonist medications (like Wegovy and Zepbound) extend this activity, with newer agents lasting five to seven days. The longer GLP‑1 stays active, the stronger the appetite suppression and GI slowing, so you feel fuller faster and longer, reducing food and therefore calorie intake.
Q. If someone resolves to lose weight in 2026, what determines whether your advice is the classic diet-and-exercise recommendation or weight loss medications?
A. Everyone needs a personalized plan based on many factors, including goals, medical history, family history, and past diet and exercise attempts. Traditional advice to “eat less and move more” typically leads to only about 10% weight loss, and 50-80% of people regain most of that within a year.
For patients who need to lose 20-30% of their weight, I’m honest that diet and exercise are essential for health, but alone they rarely achieve that level of weight loss. Tailored support and realistic expectations are key.
Q. What are these types of weight loss medications intended for, and what are they not meant for?
A. I always emphasize to my patients that it’s not just about the number on the scale. The true goal is to improve overall health, add quality years to life, enhance mobility and increase the ability to do the things they love. I get far more excited about helping patients reduce or eliminate medications than the number on the scale.
