A study has found that a significant number of people who stop taking obesity medications such as Wegovy to lose weight regain their pre-loss weight within two years. The rate at which weight is regained is much faster than when stopping a diet or exercise regimen.

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On January 8 (local time), CNN reported that researchers at Oxford University published a paper in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) stating that people who discontinued GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) class obesity medications tended to regain weight quickly, with a high likelihood of returning to their pre-loss weight within about two years.

The researchers analyzed 37 previous studies involving more than 9,300 adults and found that while taking the medication, participants lost an average of 15-20% of their body weight, but after stopping, their weight increased rapidly. The monthly rate of weight gain after stopping the medication was about 0.3 kg faster than after stopping diet or exercise programs.

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GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the body that signals satiety to the brain and stomach, helping to reduce food intake. This class of obesity medications increases insulin secretion to lower blood sugar and slows the passage of food through the digestive tract, helping to maintain a feeling of fullness for longer. They work by suppressing appetite in the brain.

Representative GLP-1 class drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. These medications have been recognized for their strong weight loss effects.

Sam West, a postdoctoral researcher at Oxford University's Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and lead author of the paper, explained, "This is not a failure of the medication, but rather a reflection of obesity as a chronic and relapsing disease," adding, "This research serves as a warning against expecting to manage weight with short-term medication use alone."

Adam Collins, Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Surrey, who was not involved in the study, called the research "timely and important." He pointed out that weight regain is common with all weight loss methods, but the issue is more pronounced after using GLP-1 class medications.

Wegovy and Ozempic boxes from Novo Nordisk. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

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Associate Professor Collins explained that supplying artificially high levels of GLP-1 for an extended period may reduce the body's natural GLP-1 secretion or sensitivity. He said, "There is no problem while taking the medication, but as soon as you stop, the risk of overeating can increase significantly." He added, "As with addiction, quitting abruptly is very difficult, and if you relied solely on medication without behavioral changes during weight loss, the rebound can be even greater."

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However, some point out that these findings are estimates based on limited data. Marie Spreckley, an obesity researcher at Cambridge University, explained that the follow-up period after discontinuing the latest medications is only about 12 months, so the conclusion about full weight regain within two years is based on projections rather than direct observation.

Spreckley said, "This once again shows that obesity management requires a long-term plan," adding, "When discontinuing medication, ongoing nutritional and behavioral management should be combined, and it is important to consider that cardiovascular and metabolic benefits may decrease as weight increases."

The use of GLP-1 class obesity medications has surged in recent years. It is estimated that more than 15 million people in the United States alone are taking them for weight loss. A study published in January this year even suggested that these medications may reduce the risk of addiction, mental illness, infections, certain cancers, and dementia.

Citizens are exercising at a gym in Seoul. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

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However, weight loss through appetite suppression can lead to a decrease in muscle mass as well as body fat, which is a point of caution. According to research, 15-60% of the weight lost may be muscle mass. Therefore, experts recommend that those taking GLP-1 class medications should incorporate exercise, including strength training, at least once a week.