WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A new study from the Cleveland Clinic recently explored what happens when people stop taking GLP-1 medications.
The study looked at nearly 8,000 patients who had been using these drugs for obesity or Type 2 diabetes and then stopped after a few months. Among people using the medication for obesity, about 55% gained weight within a year of stopping, while 45% either continued to lose weight or stayed the same. In the diabetes group, 44% gained weight, but 56% continued losing weight or maintained it.
All patients in the study had used injectable drugs like Ozempic or Mounjaro for 3 to 12 months before stopping. Researchers also tracked whether patients received support from nutritionists, exercise experts, or diabetes educators through their medical records. However, the study did not include people who made lifestyle changes on their own, such as joining a gym or weight-loss programs.
Before stopping the medication, people with obesity lost an average of 8.4% of their body weight. One year later, they regained a small amount-about 0.5% on average. Those with Type 2 diabetes lost around 4.4% of their body weight before stopping the drug and continued to lose another 1.3% over the next year.
After stopping GLP-1 treatment, many patients tried other ways to manage their weight. About 27% switched to a different medication, 20% restarted the same drug, and 14% consulted nutrition or exercise specialists. Interestingly, less than 1% chose bariatric surgery.
The study also found that people with Type 2 diabetes were more likely to restart the medication than those using it for obesity. Researchers believe this may be because insurance coverage is more consistent for diabetes treatment than for weight loss.
'In our future work, we will examine the comparative effectiveness of alternative treatment options for obesity in patients who discontinue semaglutide or tirzepatide, to help patients and their clinicians make informed decisions,' lead author Hamlet Gasoyan said.
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