Individuals who use GLP-1 obesity medications such as Mounjaro or Wegovy are likely to regain nearly two-thirds of the weight they lost within a year of stopping the treatment, according to a significant new study. Researchers from the University of Cambridge conducted an extensive analysis involving over 3,200 participants, revealing that patients regained approximately 60 per cent of their lost weight after 52 weeks off the jabs.
Long-Term Weight Retention and Health Implications
While the majority of the weight is regained, the study indicates that around 25 per cent of the initial weight loss may be sustained in the long term. However, experts have issued a stark warning: if the regained weight consists predominantly of fat, individuals could find themselves in a worse health position than before they started the treatment. This potential shift in body composition could have serious implications for overall health and well-being.
Calls for Improved Prescribing Guidelines
The research team is urging for future clinical trials to investigate the specific composition of weight loss and regain more thoroughly. They highlight that current prescribing advice is inconsistent regarding post-treatment weight management, leading to calls for enhanced guidelines to better support patients after they discontinue use of these medications.
This study underscores the complex nature of obesity treatment and the challenges associated with maintaining weight loss after stopping pharmaceutical interventions. The findings suggest that while GLP-1 drugs can be effective for weight reduction, a comprehensive approach including lifestyle changes may be necessary to sustain benefits long-term.
