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.

Amidst the growing interest in weight loss medications, a medical expert has issued a warning to individuals in the UK considering these treatments. The caution emphasizes that without accompanying lifestyle changes, users of such medications might see the pounds return once they stop the treatment.

This advice specifically pertains to GLP-1 inhibitors, a class of drugs that work by curbing appetite. While these medications are available through the NHS for those who meet specific criteria, they are not a standalone solution for weight loss.

Highlighting this notion, Dr. Karan Rajan, popularly known as Dr. Raj on social media, took to TikTok to address the issue. He posed a critical question: “If you’re taking a GLP-1, do you have to take it forever?”

Dr. Rajan discussed a study involving over 9,000 participants, revealing that individuals who ceased using newer GLP-1 inhibitors experienced a weight regain of approximately 0.8 kilograms, or 1.8 pounds, per month. This often led to a return to their original weight within about a year and a half.

He was quick to clarify that this rebound is not indicative of the drugs’ ineffectiveness. “This weight gain isn’t a failure of the drugs—they perform exactly as intended while you are on them,” Dr. Raj noted, underscoring the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes in conjunction with medication for lasting weight management.

“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.

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“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.”

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.