GLP-1 glossary
Plain-English definitions for key terms used in GLP-1 treatment, weight management, and maintenance. Click any linked term to read more.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)
A naturally occurring hormone produced in the gut that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines mimic or enhance this hormone’s effects.
GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA)
A class of medicine that activates GLP-1 receptors, reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and improving blood sugar control. Used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
Maintenance
The phase after initial weight loss where the focus shifts to sustaining progress over months and years. Maintenance involves staying consistent with treatment, monitoring for drift signals, and adjusting when needed.
Drift
Gradual, often subtle changes in behaviour, signals, or outcomes that suggest maintenance is under strain. Drift can include missed doses, returning appetite, reduced activity, or growing ambivalence.
Drift detection
The process of identifying early signals that maintenance may be slipping, before weight has changed. Healthcount uses drift detection as a core principle.
Discontinuation
Stopping GLP-1 treatment for an extended period (typically 28+ days). Discontinuation can be planned (clinical decision, reaching a goal) or unplanned (supply issues, routine drift, side effects).
Reinitiation
Restarting GLP-1 treatment after a period of discontinuation. This may require dose re-titration, depending on the length of the gap and the specific medicine.
Stop-start cycle
A pattern of repeated discontinuation and reinitiation. Stop-start cycles can increase burden (re-titration, side effects), cause weight fluctuation, and reduce long-term effectiveness.
Titration
The process of gradually increasing the dose of a medicine over time. GLP-1 medicines typically start at a low dose and increase at set intervals to reduce side effects.
Persistence
In pharmacology, persistence refers to continuing to take a prescribed medicine over time. Persistence is different from adherence (which refers to taking doses correctly).
Adherence
Taking a medicine as prescribed - the right dose, at the right time, via the right method. Adherence is about how well you follow the prescribed regimen.
Weight regain
Regaining weight after a period of weight loss. With GLP-1 medicines, regain often occurs after stopping treatment due to returning appetite and metabolic adaptation.
Signposting
Directing someone to appropriate clinical support when the right next step is to speak to a prescriber, pharmacist, or clinician. Healthcount uses signposting rather than giving clinical advice.
Data minimisation
A principle under UK GDPR that means collecting only the personal data necessary for a specific purpose. Healthcount is designed around data minimisation.
Aggregated reporting
Reporting that combines data from many individuals into group-level summaries. Healthcount provides aggregated reporting to funders, so individual data is not exposed.
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