Weight Loss Medications Fail to Keep Weight Off in Under Two Years, Study Finds
A recent study published in the BMJ has found that individuals who stop taking weight loss medications, such as GLP-1 agonists, typically regain all the weight they lost within an average of just 17 months. This may seem counterintuitive, but the findings suggest that these medications are not a magic bullet for sustained weight loss.
The study, led by academics at the University of Oxford, analyzed data from over 9,300 participants who took part in 37 existing studies on weight loss medication. The results show that those who stopped taking the medication regained an average of 0.4kg per month, with nearly half of them returning to their original weight within just one year.
In comparison, behavioral programs such as dieting or exercise alone can take significantly longer to produce similar results, with a faster rate of regain seen for individuals on these programs. According to Dr. Sam West, lead author of the study, "These medicines are transforming obesity treatment and can achieve important weight loss... but our research shows that people tend to regain weight rapidly after stopping – faster than we see with behavioral programmes."
The rapid weight gain observed in this study is attributed to the underlying nature of obesity as a chronic condition. Dr. West emphasizes that these medications are not failing, but rather, they are highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to long-term weight management.
Experts are urging patients and healthcare providers to use weight loss medications as part of a broader strategy to support sustainable weight loss. "Weight loss drugs can be effective tools for managing weight and type 2 diabetes risk," says Dr. Faye Riley, research communications lead at Diabetes UK, but they must be used in conjunction with tailored wraparound support.
The study's findings also suggest that the benefits of weight loss medications on cardio-metabolic health markers, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, can return to normal within 1.4 years of stopping treatment. This emphasizes the importance of continued monitoring and support for individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery or are taking medication for weight management.
As the NHS expands its weight management services, including the digital weight management program, it is clear that a multifaceted approach to managing obesity is crucial for achieving long-term success. By combining behavioral interventions with medications, healthcare providers can help patients overcome the challenges of maintaining weight loss and achieve their health goals.
A recent study published in the BMJ has found that individuals who stop taking weight loss medications, such as GLP-1 agonists, typically regain all the weight they lost within an average of just 17 months. This may seem counterintuitive, but the findings suggest that these medications are not a magic bullet for sustained weight loss.
The study, led by academics at the University of Oxford, analyzed data from over 9,300 participants who took part in 37 existing studies on weight loss medication. The results show that those who stopped taking the medication regained an average of 0.4kg per month, with nearly half of them returning to their original weight within just one year.
In comparison, behavioral programs such as dieting or exercise alone can take significantly longer to produce similar results, with a faster rate of regain seen for individuals on these programs. According to Dr. Sam West, lead author of the study, "These medicines are transforming obesity treatment and can achieve important weight loss... but our research shows that people tend to regain weight rapidly after stopping – faster than we see with behavioral programmes."
The rapid weight gain observed in this study is attributed to the underlying nature of obesity as a chronic condition. Dr. West emphasizes that these medications are not failing, but rather, they are highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to long-term weight management.
Experts are urging patients and healthcare providers to use weight loss medications as part of a broader strategy to support sustainable weight loss. "Weight loss drugs can be effective tools for managing weight and type 2 diabetes risk," says Dr. Faye Riley, research communications lead at Diabetes UK, but they must be used in conjunction with tailored wraparound support.
The study's findings also suggest that the benefits of weight loss medications on cardio-metabolic health markers, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, can return to normal within 1.4 years of stopping treatment. This emphasizes the importance of continued monitoring and support for individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery or are taking medication for weight management.
As the NHS expands its weight management services, including the digital weight management program, it is clear that a multifaceted approach to managing obesity is crucial for achieving long-term success. By combining behavioral interventions with medications, healthcare providers can help patients overcome the challenges of maintaining weight loss and achieve their health goals.
. don't get me wrong, meds can be helpful but if they're not keeping the weight off, what's the point? and 0.4kg/month is crazy... that's like losing weight every month for like a year straight 
. need more info on this study, sources pls!
! I mean, we all know that losing weight is hard, but it seems like these meds aren't gonna be the magic solution to keep it off forever 
. 17 months? That's like, almost a year and a half, and they're still up to 4kg more than before?! 
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. And I'm all for using these meds as part of a bigger plan... like, with wraparound support and stuff 
. It's not gonna be easy, but if we can get people to stick with it, maybe we can actually make some progress 
.
... it's like, we need to keep an eye on things if we want to make sure our weight loss isn't just gonna fall apart 
. So yeah, I'm all for this approach 
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You can't keep relying on one single solution to manage obesity, it's time for a holistic approach that includes medication, behavioral programs, and ongoing support! 
. You mean like, give people a bunch of pills and then ignore them when they stop taking them? That's not a strategy, that's just throwing money at a problem. We need to address the underlying issues here - lifestyle changes, sustainable habits... that kinda thing.
. Otherwise, it's just a band-aid on a bullet wound. And what about all the side effects? I'm not sure I want to be taking some fancy pill every day just to maintain my weight... 
. I mean, all those people working hard to lose weight, only to gain it back in like, a year? That's so discouraging 
. And it's not like the meds are even that effective for long-term results. Like, 17 months is still pretty short for me to see some real changes 
. And we need to make sure those programs are accessible and affordable for everyone 
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I think that's what we need to focus on – not just the quick fixes or the magic solutions. We need to find that balance and make sustainable changes that stick in the long run.
they're supposed to be magic bullets or something but it seems like once you stop taking them, you just go back to your old ways 