A doctor issued a warning to anyone taking weight loss medication (Image: Getty)
A medical professional has issued a cautionary note to Brits using weight loss medications. The expert said that without appropriate lifestyle modifications, there’s a risk of regaining all the lost weight once the medication is discontinued.
This advice relates to treatments known as GLP-1 inhibitors, which function by suppressing your appetite.
Although these medications, accessible via the NHS for certain people, have proven effective, they are not a miraculous cure.
In a video shared on the social media platform TikTok, Doctor Karan Rajan elaborated on this. Dr Rajan, more commonly recognised online as Dr Raj, posed the question: « If you’re taking a GLP-1, do you have to take it forever?
« An analysis of over 9,000 people showed that those who stopped newer GLP-1s regained weight at about 0.8 kilos, or 1.8 pounds, per month. On average a return to baseline weight in around 1.5 years. »
However, he clarified that this isn’t due to the medications being ineffective. « This weight gain isn’t a failure of the drugs, they do exactly what they were designed to do whilst you take them, » Dr Raj explained.
« It reflects the nature of obesity as a chronic relapsing condition and perhaps this is a cautionary tale for short-term use without a more comprehensive approach to weight management. »
To maintain your weight after discontinuing GLP-1s, he advised that a healthy lifestyle must be sustained. He added: « When you remove the signal provided by a GLP-1, biology reverts back to default settings and obesity biology is powerful.
« An uncomfortable truth you need to know is that GLP-1 aren’t cures and they don’t magically fix weight loss. They simply act like blood pressure pills or statins – if you stop the medication, you lose the effect.
« To truly change the long-term health trajectory of someone taking a GLP-1, not just from adherence and compliance, but actually to improve outcomes, lifestyle changes are non-negotiable. »
He emphasised that factors such as muscle mass, behaviour, sleep, fibre intake, protein consumption, stress levels, and insulin sensitivity all play crucial roles. « So do you have to stay on a GLP1 forever? » he queried.
« Think of it like eczema. Some people can just avoid eczema triggers and manage fine without any medication.
« Some people might need occasional reliever creams to deal with their eczema, and some people might need daily medication forever. GLP-1s follow the same logic. »
Read more: Longevity expert says ‘simply stop’ one habit if you want to ‘lose weight’
Read more: Personal trainer shares easy change to lose 1lb of fat each week
Types of weight loss medications
A variety of weight management medicines have undergone clinical trials. However, only a select few have been approved by the NHS for weight management:
- Orlistat
- Liraglutide
- Semaglutide
- Tirzepatide
The NHS advises: « You should only use weight management medicines if a doctor or pharmacist recommends them for you. They will look at your individual health needs to decide if the medicine is safe and right for you, taking into account the benefits and any possible side effects.
« All medicines for supporting weight management should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Never take a medicine for weight management if it has not been prescribed for you.
« These types of medicines may not be safe for you and could cause serious side effects. »
NHS data reveals that in 2022, 29 per cent of adults in England were categorised as obese, while 64 per cent were considered overweight.
What to do if you’re concerned about your weight
If you’re grappling with obesity, your GP can provide guidance on enhancing your lifestyle and safely losing and managing your weight. The NHS advises: « Your GP can advise you about losing weight safely by eating a healthy, balanced diet and doing regular physical activity. »
They can also refer you to a specialist weight management service if you require more comprehensive support to aid your weight loss journey, including:
- Local weight management services provided by the NHS in your area
- National programmes, such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme
For further information, visit the NHS website here.
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