New study reveals weight regain after stopping GLP-1s

A study reveals that stopping GLP-1 medications like Ozempic leads to weight regain shortly after cessation.

Stopping GLP-1 medications leads to weight regain according to new research

A recent study indicates that people who cease taking GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound tend to regain weight relatively quickly. The research team from Peking University analyzed 11 studies on the weight outcomes following the discontinuation of these anti-obesity medications. GLP-1s work by mimicking a hormone that promotes insulin production and signals fullness, assisting patients in weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. However, the findings reveal that within about two months after stopping treatment, most participants began to regain weight, continuing this trend for several months before stabilization. Dr. Louis J. Aronne, an expert in obesity medicine, stated that this weight regain does not signify failure of the medications; rather, it shows that like other chronic medications, the effects stop once the treatment ends.

The implications of this study are significant for the millions battling obesity. It highlights the chronic nature of obesity and the need for ongoing treatment. Dr. Aronne's comparison to other common chronic conditions emphasizes that stopping medication typically leads to a return to previous health states. This underscores the importance of viewing obesity not simply as a weight issue but as a complex disease that requires continuous management. While lifestyle changes are vital, reliance solely on them after stopping medication can lead to disappointment as body systems revert to pre-treatment states.

Highlights

Understanding the long-term management of obesity is crucial for effective treatment outcomes.