A recent review has revealed that individuals who are overweight or obese and discontinue weight-loss medications tend to regain weight at a faster rate compared to those who stop diet or exercise programs. The study focused on weight loss medications containing semaglutide, a key component in popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Approximately half of individuals with obesity prescribed these medications, known as glucagon-like peptide agonists or GLP-1s, discontinue usage within a year due to reasons such as high costs and gastrointestinal side effects.
The review, published in the BMJ journal, emphasized the significance of understanding weight regain to mitigate the risks of diabetes and heart disease associated with excess weight. Researchers, led by Sam West from the University of Oxford, analyzed data from over 6,000 overweight or obese adults who had taken GLP-1s or older weight-loss medications, comparing them with 3,000 participants in behavioral weight management programs.
After ceasing treatment, individuals on weight-loss drugs regained an average of 0.4 kg per month, resulting in an average weight regain of 4.8 kilograms or 10 pounds within the first year. The study projected that risk indicators for diabetes and heart disease, such as elevated cholesterol and blood pressure levels, would revert to pre-treatment levels in under two years.
According to West, the rapid weight regain post-medication cessation was surprising, with individuals gaining weight nearly four times faster than those who discontinued exercise or diet plans. Even participants in behavioral weight management programs experienced weight regain. The study underscored that new weight loss medications are not a quick fix for obesity and highlighted the importance of long-term adherence.
Heather White, a 76-year-old from Toronto with diabetes, shared her experience of discontinuing Ozempic due to side effects, opting for dietary modifications instead. The article also highlighted the temporary effects of GLP-1 medications on curbing hunger and the necessity of sustained support and behavior modification for weight maintenance.
The review emphasized the role of ongoing support, such as dietary guidance, in enhancing weight loss outcomes. While the reasons behind faster weight regain post-medication cessation remain unclear, experts advocate for a comprehensive approach involving weight-loss medications, behavioral strategies, and environmental changes to combat obesity effectively.