Millions of people are using injectable medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound for weight loss, but many may wonder what happens when they stop taking these medications.
Previous clinical trials have suggested a discouraging 'rebound' effect, where patients regain their lost weight almost immediately after ending treatment. However, a new study from the Cleveland Clinic offers a more hopeful perspective on what happens when the injections stop.
About the Study
The study looked at nearly 8,000 adults in Ohio and Florida who used semaglutide or tirzepatide for three to 12 months before stopping. Unlike tightly controlled clinical trials, the researchers looked at 'real-world' outcomes where patients often switch from one medication to another.
Overall, patients did not experience significant weight regain in the year after stopping a GLP-1 medication. Among those treated specifically for obesity, the average weight loss before stopping was 8.4%; one year later, they had regained just 0.5% on average.
Key Findings
- Patient weight regain was less than expected, with an average regain of just 0.5% after one year.
- Many patients who stopped semaglutide or tirzepatide restarted the medication or transitioned to another, which may explain why they regained less weight than patients in randomized trials.
- An estimated 27% of patients transitioned to different medications, while another 20% eventually restarted their original medication once insurance issues or side effects were resolved.
- 14% of patients transitioned to intensive lifestyle modification programs, working closely with dietitians and exercise specialists.
Patients who maintained their weight tended to remain engaged with the healthcare system, whether through alternative prescriptions or structured lifestyle support, the researchers noted.
Limitations and Future Work
There were some limitations to the study, including the fact that it only included adult patients from a single large integrated health system in Ohio and Florida. Additionally, some of the observed weight reduction may be associated with factors that the researchers were unable to capture.
The researchers plan to 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.