Keeping the Weight Off: New Insights on GLP-1 Drugs

A recent study offers promising insights for individuals using GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro. The findings suggest that many users may not quickly regain lost weight after stopping treatment.

Study Findings

The study analyzed data from thousands of patients at U.S. medical clinics. It revealed that:

• Most people either kept the weight off or continued losing it 18 months after stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide.
• Patients who received exercise counseling were nearly twice as likely to maintain their weight loss.

Comparison with Clinical Trials

These results differ from drugmakers' clinical trials, which suggest that many patients regain lost weight quickly after stopping treatment.

Key Insights

• Behavior changes are crucial for maintaining weight loss.
• GLP-1 drugs help by suppressing calorie intake, but lasting weight loss depends on adjusting eating habits.

Study Limitations

• The study is not as reliable as controlled clinical trials.
• It provides hope that not everyone will regain weight after stopping the drugs.

Detailed Results

Tirzepatide Users

• 28% regained weight six months after stopping.
• 36% kept the weight off.
• 36% continued to lose weight.

Semaglutide Users

• 33% regained weight six months after stopping.
• 32% maintained their loss.
• 35% were still losing weight.

Additional Findings

The study also found links between weight regain and factors like anxiety, anemia, and depression, though these connections need further research.