Weight Loss Medications: The Unknown Consequences of Stopping Treatment
Many people have found success with weight loss medications, such as GLP-1, in achieving their weight loss goals. However, the consequences of stopping treatment are not well understood. Two women, Tanya and Ellen, share their experiences with stopping weight loss medications, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties of this process.
The Experience of Stopping Treatment
Tanya, a sales manager, started taking Wegovy to prove a point to herself and others. She lost six stone (38kg) and tried to stop taking the medication several times, but each time she experienced a strong desire to eat and gained weight quickly. She describes it as "like a switch is flipped and you immediately starve to death." Tanya’s experience is not unique, and many people struggle with the idea of stopping treatment due to the fear of regaining weight.
The Challenges of Stopping Treatment
Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi, a lifestyle general practitioner, notes that stopping weight loss medications can be like "jumping off a cliff." He observes that patients often experience a significant increase in hunger and weight gain after stopping treatment. The evidence suggests that people will regain a "significant proportion of weight" between one and three years after stopping the medication, with some studies suggesting that up to 80% of the weight lost may be regained.
The Importance of Support
Ellen, who took Mounjaro, had a different experience. She lost a significant amount of weight and was able to stop taking the medication without regaining weight. She attributes her success to the support she received and the changes she made to her lifestyle. Dr. Al-Zubaidi emphasizes the importance of support in helping people maintain weight loss after stopping treatment. He recommends that patients receive at least a year of ongoing counseling and tailored action plans to help them make practical changes in their lives.
The Role of Environment and Mindset
Dr. Al-Zubaidi also highlights the importance of environment and mindset in maintaining weight loss. He notes that obesity is not a GLP-1 deficiency, but rather a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach. He emphasizes the need for a healthy environment that promotes wellness, rather than weight gain. Tanya and Ellen’s experiences illustrate the importance of considering lifestyle, support, mindset, and timing when stopping weight loss medications.
The Future of Weight Loss Medications
As the use of weight loss medications becomes more widespread, it is essential to understand the consequences of stopping treatment. Tanya continues to take the medication, aware of the pros and cons of this decision. Ellen, on the other hand, feels that this chapter is now closed, having lost over 51 kg. Her experience shows that life after Mounjaro can be sustainable, and she hopes to inspire others to make healthy lifestyle changes. The manufacturers of these medications, such as Eli Lilly, prioritize patient safety and are involved in monitoring and reporting information to regulators and prescribers.
Conclusion
The experiences of Tanya and Ellen highlight the complexities and uncertainties of stopping weight loss medications. While these medications can be effective in achieving weight loss, the consequences of stopping treatment are not well understood. It is essential to consider the importance of support, environment, and mindset in maintaining weight loss and to approach this issue with a comprehensive and nuanced understanding.
