Stopping weight loss drugs is followed by weight regain and reversal of beneficial effects on heart and metabolic health markers such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, finds a study published by The BMJ.
It shows that the average rate of weight regain is 0.4 kg/month after stopping treatment, with weight and risk markers for diabetes and heart disease predicted to return to pre-treatment levels in less than two years.
It also finds that the rate of weight regain after stopping weight loss drugs is almost 4 times faster than after diet and physical activity changes, irrespective of the amount of weight lost during treatment.
“This evidence suggests that despite their success in achieving initial weight loss, these drugs alone may not be sufficient for long term weight control,” say the researchers.