Study Reveals Stunning Truth About Weight Loss Medications: Regaining Weight After Stopping Treatment is Almost Four Times Faster Than Other Programs.
A landmark study published in the BMJ has shed light on a concerning trend among those who stop taking weight loss medications, known as GLP-1 agonists. The research, led by academics at the University of Oxford, analyzed 37 existing studies involving 9,341 participants and found that individuals who stopped taking these medications regained an average of 4.8kg within just one year.
Notably, this rate is almost four times faster than those on behavioral programs, which may include specific diets or exercise plans. The study also revealed that people tend to regain weight at a rapid pace after stopping these medications, with participants returning to their original weight in an average of 1.7 years.
Dr. Sam West from the University of Oxford attributes this phenomenon not to the medication itself but to the chronic and relapsing nature of obesity as a condition. He emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to long-term weight management, highlighting the importance of primary prevention.
While the study's findings may seem alarming, they also underscore the potential benefits of these medications in managing weight loss and type 2 diabetes risk. However, experts stress that weight loss drugs are not a quick fix and require tailored wraparound support to ensure sustained results.
The rapid regain of weight after stopping treatment highlights the need for healthier food environments and sustainable lifestyle changes. As Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, notes, "These drugs can create a window of opportunity to improve the food environment at scale and pace."
To mitigate this issue, the NHS has implemented various weight management services, including the digital weight management program, which aims to support 125,000 more people per year. While these measures are essential, it is crucial that individuals using these medications understand the importance of ongoing behavioral changes to maintain long-term results.
A landmark study published in the BMJ has shed light on a concerning trend among those who stop taking weight loss medications, known as GLP-1 agonists. The research, led by academics at the University of Oxford, analyzed 37 existing studies involving 9,341 participants and found that individuals who stopped taking these medications regained an average of 4.8kg within just one year.
Notably, this rate is almost four times faster than those on behavioral programs, which may include specific diets or exercise plans. The study also revealed that people tend to regain weight at a rapid pace after stopping these medications, with participants returning to their original weight in an average of 1.7 years.
Dr. Sam West from the University of Oxford attributes this phenomenon not to the medication itself but to the chronic and relapsing nature of obesity as a condition. He emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to long-term weight management, highlighting the importance of primary prevention.
While the study's findings may seem alarming, they also underscore the potential benefits of these medications in managing weight loss and type 2 diabetes risk. However, experts stress that weight loss drugs are not a quick fix and require tailored wraparound support to ensure sustained results.
The rapid regain of weight after stopping treatment highlights the need for healthier food environments and sustainable lifestyle changes. As Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, notes, "These drugs can create a window of opportunity to improve the food environment at scale and pace."
To mitigate this issue, the NHS has implemented various weight management services, including the digital weight management program, which aims to support 125,000 more people per year. While these measures are essential, it is crucial that individuals using these medications understand the importance of ongoing behavioral changes to maintain long-term results.
I'm kinda surprised by this study... like, what's going on here? So basically, when you stop taking those weight loss meds, you're gonna gain back like 4-5 times more weight than if you just stuck to a diet or exercise plan 
. It makes sense that obesity is a chronic condition and all, but still... shouldn't we be working on ways to change our food environment and lifestyles instead of relying on meds? 
I mean, the NHS has some cool programs like the digital weight management thingy, which sounds promising, but we need more than just those if we're gonna tackle this problem. It's all about sustainability, fam 
this study makes me think we're still not doing enough to help people manage their weight in the long run... i mean, sure, the meds can be super helpful, but if ppl stop takin them and just go back to their old habits, it's all for nothin' 
we need more support beyond just the medication, like better food options and exercise programs that actually work 
Anyway, I guess this just means we need to do better at making healthy food options more accessible and affordable. That's my two cents 
That's insane! And it's not even the meds themselves, but the chronic nature of obesity 
. We need a more comprehensive approach for real, like primary prevention 
. The NHS has some great initiatives going on too, like that digital weight management program 
, and we should be supporting those efforts big time 
. don't get me wrong, i'm all 4 more comprehensive approaches, but we cant rely solely on meds to keep us healthy. its time 2 focus on making lifestyle changes that actually stick 
Seriously though, it's kinda crazy how fast you can regain weight when those meds are stopped. I guess this study is saying that GLP-1 agonists aren't just for losing weight, but also for not losing it afterwards 
. And yeah, healthier food environments and lifestyle changes would be super helpful. Can we get a pizza party instead of weight loss programs? 
