We've all heard that losing weight is just as hard as gaining it back. But what happens when you stop taking medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)?
We've all heard that losing weight is just as hard as gaining it back. But what happens when you stop taking medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)?
Research shows that people who discontinue GLP-1 drugs tend to regain weight within 2 years. In fact, a recent study found that individuals regained their lost weight at an average rate of about 0.4 kilograms (nearly 1 pound) per month.
But why does this happen? The researchers suggest that it's not just the medication itself, but also the lack of long-term lifestyle changes to support weight management. They recommend incorporating supportive changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle for lasting results.
The Importance of Sustainable Weight Loss
GLP-1 medications have been shown to be effective in helping patients lose between 15% and 20% of their body weight. However, the study's findings indicate that people who stop taking these medications tend to regain quickly, returning to their original weight within an average of 1.7 years.
During this timeframe, individuals also experience a reversal of the cardiometabolic health benefits seen while on the medication. This highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to achieving lasting weight loss.
Assessing Weight Management after GLP-1s
The researchers conducted a review of available evidence to determine the amount of weight people regain when they stop taking GLP-1 medications. They included data from 37 studies involving over 9,000 adults with overweight or obesity.
The studies examined the effects of popular GLP-1s such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, as well as other anti-obesity medications like orlistat. Some studies combined medication treatments with behavioral supports like diet and exercise.
Key Findings
- Individuals lost an average of 8.3 kilograms (about 18 pounds) while using GLP-1 medications.
- Once treatment stopped, they regained their lost weight at a rate of about 0.4 kilograms (nearly 1 pound) per month.
- Most people regained all their weight within an average of about 1.7 years.
The study's findings emphasize the importance of incorporating supportive lifestyle changes to achieve lasting weight loss and maintain cardiometabolic health benefits after discontinuing GLP-1 medications.
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