People who took weight-loss medications regained weight four times faster than those who stopped exercising or were on strict diets. (Image: Pexels)
This may not be good news for those who took or have been planning to take GLP-1 medications for weight loss and other health issues. A new review reveals that those who stopped taking the drugs, developed primarily for the treatment of diabetes, regained weight within two years.
The study, published in the BMJ, was led by researchers at the University of Oxford and analysed 37 previously published studies on weight loss medications, covering a total of 9,341 participants. On average, the duration for which weight loss treatments were taken by the participants was 39 weeks, with the follow-up period being 32 weeks.
It was noted that the participants who stopped taking medication regained 0.4 kg per month, implying 4.8 kg of weight returning in the very first year. This also meant that they went back to their original weight within an average of 1.7 years after stopping the obesity medication.
While researchers didn’t follow the participants after that, it was estimated that diabetes and heart disease risk, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure levels, would also return to the pre-treatment levels within 1.4 years of stopping the treatment.
Dr Sam West, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, said, “What we found particularly shocking was just how fast weight was regained after people stopped taking medication.”
People who took weight-loss medications regained weight four times faster than those who stopped exercising or were on strict diets. For Dr West, this rapid weight gain was not due to the medication.
“This isn’t a failing of the medicines – it reflects the nature of obesity as a chronic, relapsing condition. It sounds a cautionary note for short-term use without a more comprehensive approach to long-term weight management, and highlights the importance of primary prevention,” he explained.
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While previous studies have also indicated issues of weight regain after the medication, this study actually shares the rate at which weight is regained, along with the estimated time for both weight and metabolic reversal.
This study also shows that weight-loss jabs shouldn’t be treated as a quick fix, rather they should be supported with elimination of junk food, taking the right diet, and undertaking physical activity for sustaining benefits in the long-term.
FAQs on weight gain after quitting Ozempic, Wegovy
1. Will I regain all the weight I lost after stopping Ozempic or Wegovy?
According to recent studies, individuals tend to regain weight within two years after stopping these medications, reverting to their original weight within 1.7 years on average.
2. How fast will I regain weight after discontinuing Ozempic or Wegovy?
Research indicates that weight regain occurs at a rate of approximately 0.4 kg per month after discontinuing the medication.
3. Are there health risks associated with stopping Ozempic or Wegovy?
Yes, discontinuing these medications may lead to the return of pre-treatment levels of diabetes and heart disease risks, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, within 1.4 years.
4. Is the rapid weight regain due to the medication?
No, the rapid weight regain reflects the chronic and relapsing nature of obesity and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to long-term weight management.
5. How can I sustain weight loss after stopping Ozempic or Wegovy?
To sustain weight loss, support the medication with the elimination of junk food, a proper diet, and regular physical activity.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.