Patients who discontinue popular weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy typically regain the weight they lost, and often at a faster rate than those who lose weight through diet and exercise, according to new research published in the British Medical Journal. The findings, released in , underscore the challenges of long-term weight management and suggest these medications may need to be combined with sustained lifestyle changes to maintain results.
Weight Regain After Stopping Medication
Researchers at the University of Oxford analyzed data from 37 studies encompassing over 9,341 participants. They found that individuals regained an average of 0.4 kilograms (approximately 0.88 pounds) per month after stopping treatment. This rate of weight regain was nearly four times faster than that observed in individuals who lost weight through diet and exercise alone.
The study examined patients using semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as tirzepatide, found in Mounjaro and Zepbound. While those taking semaglutide or tirzepatide initially lost more weight, the study found they ultimately returned to their baseline weight at roughly the same time as those on other weight-loss drugs.
Beyond weight, the research suggests that health benefits associated with these medications may also be temporary. Health risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, were projected to return to pre-treatment levels within approximately 1.4 years of stopping the drugs.
GLP-1 Medications and Weight Management
Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic a natural hormone, GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food intake. They work by slowing down digestion, increasing feelings of fullness, and reducing cravings.
Dr. Adams Collins, a nutrition expert at the University of Surrey, explained to the BBC that prolonged use of these drugs might lead to the body producing less of its own GLP-1 and becoming less responsive to its effects. This potential adaptation could contribute to the observed weight regain.
Reasons for Discontinuation and Challenges to Long-Term Use
The study also highlighted that a significant proportion of patients discontinue GLP-1 medications within the first year of use. A University of Pennsylvania study indicated that almost 47% of individuals with Type 2 diabetes and nearly 65% of those without diabetes stopped taking these drugs within a year. High cost and insurance coverage issues were identified as the most common reasons for discontinuation, according to a recent Cleveland Clinic study.
The findings emphasize that these drugs, while effective for initial weight loss, may not be a standalone solution for long-term weight control. Researchers noted in a press release that “despite their success in achieving initial weight loss, these drugs alone may not be sufficient for long-term weight control.”
Implications for Patients and Healthcare Providers
The research has important implications for both patients and healthcare providers. For individuals considering or currently using these medications, it’s crucial to understand that continued use is often necessary to maintain weight loss. Discussions with a healthcare provider should include a comprehensive plan for long-term weight management, potentially incorporating lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and increased physical activity.
The rapid rate of weight regain after stopping treatment underscores the need for ongoing support and monitoring for patients on these medications. Healthcare providers may need to explore strategies to improve adherence and address barriers to continued use, such as cost and insurance coverage.
Looking Ahead
Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of GLP-1 medications and to identify strategies for preventing weight regain after discontinuation. Investigating the mechanisms underlying the body’s adaptation to these drugs could lead to the development of interventions to mitigate the loss of effectiveness over time.
The current evidence suggests that a multifaceted approach, combining medication with sustained lifestyle changes, is likely to be the most effective strategy for achieving and maintaining long-term weight management.
