The findings of a recent Danish study suggest that there is no requirement to continue taking GLP-1 receptor agonist pharmaceuticals for weight loss, such as Wegovy, for an indefinite period of time if one also engages in regular physical activity in conjunction with the use of these medications. Before now, it appeared as though once a person started taking the meds, they would have to continue taking them for the rest of their lives in order to maintain their weight loss. However, the medications, which were first created for diabetes, are becoming increasingly popular for weight loss. According to the findings of the study, those who combined the use of such medications with physical activity had a greater likelihood of maintaining a weight loss of ten percent per year in comparison to their initial weight after they had ceased taking the prescriptions.
When it comes to the category of effective new weight-loss treatments, the common thinking holds that whenever a person quits taking these medications, the weight that they have lost would instantly return.
It has been discovered by a recent research project conducted by the University of Copenhagen and Hvidovre Hospital in Denmark that this is not necessarily the case.
According to the findings of the experts, the combination of taking these medications and taking part in an organized weight loss program that goes beyond the use of the drugs is the most effective method.
Up to a year after the conclusion of their drug therapy, the participants in the study were able to keep the weight loss they had achieved.
These new weight reduction medications are a mimic of glucagon-like peptide-1, often known as GLP-1. GLP-1 is a hormone that promotes a feeling of fullness and, as a result, inhibits the desire to overeat.
They send a signal to the brain that they are full by releasing an agonist after a meal that travels to the brain. Additionally, it slows down the process of emptying the contents of the stomach, which reinforces the impression.
Exercise results in a ten percent reduction in body weight.
Diabetes patients have been the primary target population for the development of these medications, with some of them being on the market for close to twenty years. It is only in the most recent few years that they have gained popularity as a weight loss method. The majority of these medications are administered via injection; nevertheless, the number of oral versions is increasing.
On the market, there are a variety of GLP-1 drugs that are based on a number of different chemicals. This medication is also marketed under the trade names Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. Semaglutide is the active ingredient. When it comes to liraglutide, for instance, Saxenda is a brand name for the medication, whereas Trulicity contains dulaglutide.
Only Wegovy, and not any other semaglutide medication, has been granted approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of overweight or obesity in the United States. The only liraglutide medication that has been approved by the FDA for use as a therapy for weight management is Saxenda Trusted Source.
Other semaglutide and liraglutide medications are exclusively used for weight control in a capacity that is not authorized by the manufacturer (Trusted Source).
A total of 166 persons with obesity, ranging in age from 18 to 65 years old, participated in the new study, which served as a randomized controlled trial and was carried out in Copenhagen. After following a diet that reduced their calorie intake for a period of eight weeks, the individuals realized an average weight loss of 13.1 kilograms (kg).
Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups of participants for a period of fifty-two weeks after the conclusion of this initial program:
Saxenda was administered subcutaneously to one group on a daily basis at a dosage of three milligrams (mg).
Instead of Saxenda, a placebo was administered to one of the groups.
One of the groups was instructed to exercise without taking any weight loss medication, while the other group was given Saxenda and instructed to exercise on a regular basis.
There were 109 patients who came back for weight assessments one year after they had completely ceased receiving these therapies.
It was discovered by the researchers that a greater proportion of individuals who had been given Saxenda and had engaged in consistent physical activity during the treatment phase were able to keep a 10% drop in their original body weight.
During the treatment phase, those who had taken Saxenda without engaging in physical activity had a 4.2 times lower likelihood of maintaining their initial weight loss than those who had taken Saxenda.
It was shown that individuals who took liraglutide without engaging in physical activity during the treatment phase saw an average weight regain that was six kg greater than those who had received the combination treatment.
There is no requirement to continue using GLP-1 medications indefinitely.
Despite the fact that GLP-1 treatments have been available for decades as diabetic medications, some people are afraid to begin using them because they demand a lifetime commitment, in addition to substantial financial investment, in order to maintain a large weight loss.
People who are now experiencing inconsistencies in their insurance coverage in the United States may find this study to be reassuring.
Dr. Signe Sørensen Torekov, the senior author of the study, provided a concise summary of her personal takeaway from the research. She stated that “[i]t is actually possible to stop taking the medication without experiencing a significant weight regain if you follow a structured exercise regimen.”
Our research provides fresh optimism since it demonstrates that the majority of individuals who take weight loss medication and engage in regular physical activity are able to continue to experience the positive effects of treatment even after it has been discontinued for a period of one year.
Signe Sørensen Torekov, a Medical Doctor
Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon who was not engaged with this research, expressed his positivity toward the methods and conclusions of the study, despite the fact that he was concerned about the small number of participants that took part in the study.
According to what Dr. Ali shared with us, “I haven’t seen another study like this, so it’s a good start.”
A more accurate perspective on anti-obesity medications
However, the findings of this study suggest that this may not be the most accurate way to think about these medications, despite the fact that they have been regarded as almost miraculous in their capacity to assist individuals in losing weight.
“I believe that people are looking at this from two different perspectives. One is that they utilize the drug for a short amount of time, attain a healthy weight, and hopefully, during that time period, they learn how to adjust their habits of eating and exercising, which will allow them to keep the weight off,” said Dr. Ali.
In the second viewpoint that he mentioned, he said that we should stop seeing obesity to be the result of a single individual’s actions and instead consider it to be a chronic illness, similar to diabetes or high blood pressure. For some individuals, this entails taking a prescription for an extended period of time, or even for the rest of their lives.
It was pointed out by Dr. Torekov that agonists are very helpful in achieving a healthy weight and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, this is an excellent alternative for maintaining a healthy weight over time, depending on your age and other co-morbidities you may have.
In terms of weight loss, exercise versus food
In terms of weight loss, Dr. Ali pointed out that even physical activity is not a panacea in and of itself.
As he explained, “We tell our surgical patients that exercise adds approximately five to ten percent to the weight loss.” Because of this, “Eighty to ninety percent of the weight loss is due to what you are eating.” Therefore, if you do not make big modifications to your diet, that is the only thing that will actually function.
“In order to force the body to burn fat, we emphasize to our patients that they should reduce their consumption of carbohydrates and sugars and instead stick to consuming protein and vegetables,” Dr. Ali continued.
In spite of this, Dr. Torekov made the observation that “[a]ll people, regardless of body size, should perform exercise for improved or maintained health.”
In addition, Dr. Ali, who is a bariatric surgeon, mentioned that these medications have the potential to assist in reducing a person’s weight, which in turn helps to make bariatric surgery safer. As for the opposite side of the coin, he stated, “[w]e have patients who have undergone surgery and possibly need to lose more weight and are dealing with difficulties.”
Dr. Ali provided a comprehensive explanation of the proper way to evaluate GLP-1 drugs.
“I mean, we encourage all of our patients, and we tell them the same thing: That the medications are a tool to help you change to a healthier lifestyle and diet,” he added. “It’s been our experience that this is the case.” It is just like any other tool; if you use it in the appropriate manner, it will operate. In that case, it is not effective.