Patients trialling new weight loss medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy may find themselves back at their original weight within two years, according to a recent analysis. The study, carried out by the University of Oxford’s Biomedical Research Centre, aimed to assess weight regain after discontinuing the use of weight loss drugs, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists. It was revealed that ceasing the use of older weight loss medications led to a return to baseline weight within one year, while with newer medications, this rebound occurred in less than two years. The research indicated a faster weight regain post-medication cessation compared to discontinuing behavioural weight loss interventions like dieting. The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the long-term efficacy of weight loss medications and the challenges of weight management following treatment cessation.
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The analysis encompassed 7,944 titles and abstracts, examining studies on both older and newer weight loss medications. Older drugs like Byetta and Victoza, approved in 2005 and 2014 respectively, were compared with newer medications Ozempic/Wegovy and Mounjaro, authorised for weight loss use in 2021 and 2023 respectively. Across the board, patients saw an average weight loss of 7.9 kg (17.4 lbs) while actively using the medications, and experienced a monthly weight regain rate of 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs) upon discontinuation. This projected a return to the initial weight in just under a year after stopping weight loss medications. Interestingly, those on newer drugs saw a greater average weight loss of 16.1 kg (35.5 lbs) but also exhibited a slightly higher monthly regain rate of 0.8 kg (1.8 lbs), leading to an estimated return to the original weight in about 1.7 years.
The study’s authors caution that the rate of weight regain post-medication cessation surpasses that seen following traditional behavioural weight management programmes. This serves as a reminder to consider a holistic approach to obesity treatment and weight maintenance beyond medication usage alone. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines advise against prolonged use of weight loss drugs, recommending a treatment duration of two years or less. Co-author Susan Jebb emphasised the temporary nature of weight loss medications, citing the need for ongoing support for individuals when they discontinue these drugs. Jebb’s remarks underline the importance of addressing weight management as a long-term commitment, potentially requiring continuous intervention and lifestyle modifications for sustained results.
While weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy offer significant benefits in shedding excess weight, they are not intended as standalone solutions for obesity management. The study underscores the multifaceted nature of obesity treatment and the necessity of comprehensive strategies encompassing dietary changes, physical activity, behavioural interventions, and ongoing support. The efficacy of weight loss drugs must be balanced against the risk of weight regain upon cessation, prompting healthcare providers and individuals to approach weight management with a holistic perspective and sustainable practices. As research continues to unveil the complexities of weight loss interventions, the focus shifts towards personalised and enduring strategies that address the root causes of obesity and support individuals in achieving lasting health outcomes beyond short-term medication regimens.