GLP-1 agents produce desired results, yet their benefits cease when they're discontinued, according to the professional's viewpoint.
In a series of recent studies, it has been found that the weight loss achieved through the use of GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, tends to reverse when treatment ends, leading individuals to return to their original weight [1][2][4].
### Factors Affecting Weight Regain
1. **Initial Weight Loss**: Those who experienced greater weight loss during treatment are more likely to regain more weight after stopping the medication. However, the difference in regain between individuals with larger versus smaller initial losses is not statistically significant by 12 weeks post-treatment [2].
2. **Health Conditions and Baseline Characteristics**: Weight regain occurs across various subgroups, including those with different health conditions, baseline weights, and BMIs. However, many subgroup differences are not statistically significant, necessitating cautious interpretation due to limited data [2].
3. **Biological Mechanisms**: The metabolic and appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1 medications cease after treatment cessation, leading to weight regain. While the precise biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon are not fully understood, psychological factors and hormonal shifts may also play a role [2].
4. **Lifestyle Interventions**: Current evidence suggests that lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, do not effectively prevent weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications. This contrasts with some prior evidence, possibly due to variability between studies and limited data [2][3].
### Implications
The pattern of weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications bears resemblance to the rebound effects seen after bariatric surgery or behavioural weight loss strategies. This underscores the need for long-term anti-obesity treatment plans, as obesity is recognized as a chronic condition requiring sustained management [1][3][4].
It is important to note that while GLP-1 medications are effective for weight loss during use, their cessation often leads to weight regain, emphasizing the importance of ongoing treatment and lifestyle modifications for sustained weight management.
It is also crucial to remember that these medications may not be suitable for everyone, and decisions about starting or stopping should be made with a doctor, taking into account individual health conditions, such as a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer [5].
The findings of these studies were published in the journal BMC Medicine on a specific date, with Dr. Louis J. Aronne, a physician at Weill Cornell Medicine, stating that the medications worked exactly as intended, and the findings are consistent with what happens when treatment ends for other chronic conditions [6].
In a separate statement, Dr. Dakaud Patterson, a general surgery resident at University of Toledo Medical Center and a member of the website's Medical Unit, compared stopping GLP-1 medication to stopping insulin and expecting blood sugar to stay low [7].
GLP-1 medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone that is produced in the gut after eating and can help produce more insulin, reducing blood sugar and helping control Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, these medications can interact with the brain and signal a person to feel full, which, when coupled with diet and exercise, can help reduce weight in those who are overweight or obese [8].
However, the FDA has halted compound versions of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, emphasizing the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new medication [9].
References: [1] Study Title [2] Study Title [3] Study Title [4] Study Title [5] Study Title [6] Study Title [7] Study Title [8] Study Title [9] Study Title (FDA announcement)
- To achieve sustained weight management after discontinuing GLP-1 medications, it is vital to incorporate long-term health-and-wellness practices such as proper nutrition and weight-management strategies.
- Given the rebound effects observed after stopping GLP-1 medications, it is essential to recognize their role in weight management as part of a comprehensive science-backed approach to health and nutrition.
