Most people regain weight after stopping anti-obesity medications, study says
What's the story
A recent study has revealed that people who take anti-obesity medications (AOMs) tend to regain the weight they lost once they stop taking the drugs. The research, conducted by a team from Peking University in China, reviewed 11 previous studies involving 2,466 participants. It found that while AOMs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are effective for weight loss, discontinuation often leads to weight regain.
Regain pattern
Weight regain patterns post-AOMs discontinuation
The study found that significant weight regain occurred eight weeks after stopping AOMs, and this trend continued until the 20-week mark. On average, participants regained about 2.5kg in five months after quitting these drugs. The researchers also noted that the extent of weight regain depended on factors such as the type of drug used and individual lifestyle habits.
Drug impact
Similar patterns to those seen after gastric bypass surgery
Among the different types of AOMs, those in the GLP-1 category (like Ozempic and Wegovy) showed the most weight gain after treatment discontinuation. The study also found that people who lost more weight on these drugs tend to regain more once they stop taking them. This pattern was similar to what is seen after gastric bypass surgery, suggesting a need for better post-treatment support strategies.
Future studies
Need for more research
The researchers have called for more studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to better understand the factors associated with weight change after stopping AOM treatment. They also stressed that the effects of weight cycling on health and systemic metabolism are not thoroughly defined. The study was published in BMC Medicine, highlighting a potential gap in long-term weight management strategies post-AOM treatment.