Anti-obesity drugs, those who stop regain 60% of lost weight in 1 year

The weight loss achieved by taking the anti-obesity drugs of the GLP-1 receptor agonists class - which includes the most well-known category of semaglutide such as Ozempic - does not last long once the therapy is stopped: a new extensive analysis of data from 48 studies on the medium-term effects of these products observed, among patients who had discontinued treatment, a regain of 60% of the pounds that had been lost.

The new weight gain generally occurs within 1 year after the end of therapy.

The report from a team of researchers at Cambridge University published in the Journal 'eClinicalMedicine' also developed statistical projections on the longer-term effects of stopping treatment with anti-obesity drugs: according to the researchers, over time patients have a high likelihood of regaining as much as 75% of the weight initially lost.

The studied drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and tirzepatide. However, some experts note that the use of these medications appears capable of maintaining a reduction of at least 5% of the initial weight of patients. A percentage that is still significant.