A comprehensive study on the health effects of weight loss medications has unveiled what occurs in your body once you cease taking the injections.
These GLP-1 agonist injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, have been instrumental in aiding millions in their weight loss journeys, proving to be a critical element in combating obesity.
The medications function by imitating the glucagon-like peptide 1 hormone, which helps control eating habits and reduces the urge to overeat, a challenge that hampers many from adhering to diet plans.
However, research from Oxford University, which assessed GLP-1 drugs and examined the health outcomes of 9,341 patients across 37 studies, suggests that the significant weight loss experienced might not be permanent.
Their findings, published in the British Medical Journal, revealed that patients lost approximately 20% of their body weight over a typical 39-week course, a remarkable achievement for any weight loss regimen.
Nonetheless, upon discontinuing the GLP-1 medications, many patients experienced significant weight regain due to the absence of the hunger-regulating effects provided by these drugs.
Dr. Susan Jebb from Oxford cautioned: “People buying these need to be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment ends.”
On average, patients regained 0.8kg (1.7lbs) each month, potentially reverting to their initial weight within 18 months.
This weight regain was notably faster than that experienced by those who stopped a conventional diet, with an average gain of 0.1kg (0.22lbs) per month.
Researchers clarified that the rapid weight gain was not due to the GLP-1 injections themselves, but rather a lack of behavioral changes among the participants using the medications.
Dr. Sam West from Oxford stated: “These medicines are transforming obesity treatment and can achieve important weight loss. However, our research shows that people tend to regain weight rapidly after stopping – faster than we see with behavioural programs.”
The findings emphasize that while many individuals quickly regained weight, it does not imply these treatments lack efficacy.
He further explained: “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.”
Other research has shown that GLP-1 drugs can positively affect various health metrics beyond weight, including brain and cardiovascular health benefits.
However, the study also noted that some health improvements, like better blood pressure and cholesterol levels, diminished after 1.4 years, similar to the weight loss results.