Daily London
People who take weight loss drugs see their lost kilos and bad health markers return in less than two years on average, a new study has found.
The study, published in the BMJ, found that not only did people put the weight back on, but they also again developed high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
It showed that the average rate of weight regain was 0.4kg a month after stopping treatment, with weight and risk markers for diabetes and heart disease predicted to return to pre-treatment levels in less than two years.
It also finds that the rate of weight regain after stopping weight loss drugs is almost four times faster than after diet and physical activity changes, regardless of how much weight people actually lost.
“This evidence suggests that despite their success in achieving initial weight loss, these drugs alone may not be sufficient for long term weight control,” the researchers said.
While the drugs are wildly popular and have transformed the treatment of obesity, it’s estimated that around half of people with obesity discontinue GLP-1 drugs within 12 months.
“The study findings cast doubt on the notion that GLP-1 receptor agonists are a perfect cure for obesity,” a US researcher said in a linked editorial.
“People taking GLP-1 receptor agonists should be aware of the high discontinuation rate and the consequences of cessation of medications.”
He said “healthy dietary and lifestyle practises” should remain the foundation of weight loss treatment and management, with the GLP-1 medications used as an aide.
“Such practises not only help prevent excess weight gain but can also lead to numerous health benefits that go beyond weight control,” he said.
