The weight loss effects of drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, with their mainly appetite-suppressing qualities, have become a major topic of conversation in the medical and wellness communities. However, the long-term efficacy of these drugs is a matter of debate among experts.
It is widely observed that after individuals stop using these weekly injection treatments, they tend to regain roughly two-thirds of their shed pounds in the following year.
This trend, nonetheless, can be changed, according to a randomized controlled trial conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. The study suggests that if patients include liraglutide injections along with a supervised workout regimen, they are significantly more likely to keep off the weight a year after ceasing both the drug and the exercise program.
Liraglutide and semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are a type of medication that helps regulate blood sugar by mimicking a natural hormone in the body.
These drugs are being actively researched for their potential in assisting controlled weight loss due to their ability to suppress appetite.
Simon Birk Kjær Jensen of the University of Copenhagen comments on the challenges people face in maintaining the benefits after stopping obesity medication. He highlights, however, that those who incorporate exercise tend to avoid the rebound weight gain.
The Danish study is particularly notable as it’s the first to directly assess weight changes after implementing exercise compared to drug treatment, or a combination of both.
The experiment divided 109 adults with obesity into four distinct groups: one receiving only liraglutide injections, one treated with liraglutide plus supervised exercise, one engaging only in supervised physical activity, and a control group without an explicit weight loss strategy.
After the conclusion of the year-long trial, the results showed that participants who were given liraglutide typically regained much of the weight they had lost. Those who only exercised experienced better long-term weight management.
Interestingly, combining liraglutide with exercise led to the most successful long-term weight maintenance. These individuals were more likely to maintain at least a 10 percent reduction in their initial body weight a year after stopping the treatment, with an average of around 5 kilograms less weight gained compared to the liraglutide-alone group.
This enduring effect is likely due to the adoption of healthier exercise habits that persisted even after the program had finished.
While GLP-1 drugs can indeed kickstart weight loss, they don’t inherently change people’s lifestyles and can have unpleasant side effects that may make exercising less appealing.
Observations indicate that participants engaging in regular physical activity felt more energetic, less fatigued, and enjoyed better mental health, leading to a higher quality of life overall. The same positive results were not seen in the medical-treatment-only group.
Signe Sørensen Torekov, a biomedical researcher, emphasizes the benefits of exercise and suggests that medical treatment without increased physical activity might not be advisable, especially for those not wanting to be on the drugs indefinitely.
Ultimately, further research on larger groups is needed to understand the best strategies for using weight-loss medications like liraglutide for sustained weight management.
Despite the popularity of these appetite-suppressing drugs, it seems that exercise remains irreplaceable in the prescription for health.
The findings from this research were published in LANCET eClinicalMedicine.
FAQs About Weight Management After Ozempic
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand-name prescription medication that’s used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, but it has also been found to aid in weight loss.
Why do people regain weight after stopping Ozempic?
After stopping Ozempic, individuals often regain weight because the drug’s appetite-suppressing effects cease, and without lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, the previous patterns that led to weight gain often resume.
How can exercise help maintain weight loss after stopping Ozempic?
Exercise can help sustain weight loss by boosting metabolism, burning calories, and building muscle mass, fostering healthier habits that can last beyond the period of medication.
Is exercise more effective than Ozempic for long-term weight loss?
According to the study, exercise proved to be more effective than Ozempic alone for long-term weight maintenance, though the best results were seen when exercise was combined with the drug.
Can you stop taking Ozempic and still keep the weight off?
It is possible to maintain weight loss after stopping Ozempic, especially if one incorporates regular exercise and maintains a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while medications like Ozempic can provide an initial catalyst for weight loss, incorporating exercise into your routine appears crucial for ongoing weight management. These findings remind us that pharmaceutical interventions can be beneficial, but they are most effective when used in conjunction with sustainable lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity. Further research is required, but for now, the enduring prescription for maintaining a healthy weight after using GLP-1 receptor agonists seems to include keeping active.