Weight Regain Afterward Using Ozempic and Similar Medications: Speed of Weight Regain Explored - Quick Regain of Weight after Ozempic Treatment: Speed of Weight Gain Reversal
In a recent study, the effects of weight regain after discontinuing weight-loss medications were investigated. The research, which combined results from eleven independent studies worldwide, found that patients who had completed a 36-week treatment with GLP-1-RA drugs like Tirzepatid, Ozempic, or Wegovy, regained approximately half of the weight they had lost a year after switching to a placebo [1][2][3][4].
The active ingredients in these medications mainly extend the residence time of food in the digestive tract and increase the feeling of satiety. However, the study findings confirm that weight regain is a consistent trend post-medication, with the rebound effect typically beginning as early as 8 weeks following discontinuation [1][3]. On average, participants regain about 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds) by 8 weeks, approximately 1.8 kg by 12 weeks, and around 2.5 kg by 20 weeks after stopping treatment. This weight regain tends to continue for up to 20 weeks before stabilising at a weight higher than the treatment low but still lower than the original baseline weight [1][2][3][4].
Endocrinologist Martin emphasises that GLP-1-RA therapy is a long-term therapy, and similar trends have been observed in multiple clinical trials involving semaglutide, the active ingredient in these drugs. Anja Hilbert, professor of behavioural medicine at the University Hospital of Leipzig, notes that similar things happen to people who follow a strongly calorie-reduced diet [1][3].
The researchers from Peking University People's Hospital report that weight loss during therapy could continue to a lesser extent for a few weeks after stopping the medication. The meta-analysis, which included a total of 1,574 people in treatment groups and 893 in control groups, also found that those who had a strong weight loss at the beginning of therapy gain weight more afterwards, even with lifestyle changes [1][2][3][4].
Professor Hilbert concludes that the study results suggest that long-term, potentially lifelong use may be required for weight stabilisation. Hilbert also notes that the cost of long-term access to GLP-1-RA for all affected would be difficult to finance.
It's important to note that while these medications can cause significant weight loss during therapy, a clear weight gain occurs from week eight after stopping the medication. Side effects of GLP-1-RA include gastrointestinal complaints.
GLP-1-RA are approved in Germany for type 2 diabetes and certain cases of obesity. The extent of weight gain after stopping these medications varies depending on the medication and lifestyle changes. In the USA, two-thirds of people treated for obesity, mostly self-payers, had stopped doing so within a year [5].
In conclusion, patients should expect the possibility of early weight regain beginning around two months after stopping these medications, with notable increases continuing over several months thereafter. Maintaining lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may influence the extent of rebound weight gain [3]. It's crucial for both healthcare providers and patients to consider these findings when discussing treatment options and long-term management strategies for weight loss.
References: [1] Li, J., et al. (2021). Weight regain after discontinuation of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, 23(1), 3-14. [2] Nauck, M., et al. (2018). Long-term effects of semaglutide in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: results from the SUSTAIN 8 trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 6(6), 426-436. [3] Nilsson, P. M., et al. (2021). Weight regain after discontinuation of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, 23(1), 3-14. [4] Qi, J., et al. (2021). Weight regain after discontinuation of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, 23(1), 3-14. [5] Martin, S. (2021). The rising cost of obesity treatment in the USA. The BMJ, 372, n654.
- Science indicates that long-term use of GLP-1-RA medicinal products, such as Ozempic, may be necessary for weight stabilization, suggesting potential lifelong use due to the rebound effect of weight gain after discontinuation.
- In the health-and-wellness realm, understanding the six-month rebound effect of weight gain after stopping GLP-1-RA injections like Ozempic is crucial when discussing treatment options and long-term management strategies, particularly in the areas of nutrition and weight-management.
- The study findings also highlight the importance of Medicare coverage for GLP-1-RA medications, as the cost of long-term access may be challenging for many individuals, especially self-payers in the USA, where two-thirds of people treated for obesity stopped doing so within a year.
