Weight loss drug dilemma: What happens when you stop?
While weight loss drugs provide temporary solutions, experts change lifestyle as the most effective way to maintain healthy weight.
With the increase in obesity and diabetes at a dangerous speed in India, weight -loss drugs are becoming a warm subject of discussion. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India has more than 11% of the population, and is prone to at least 25% more weight or obesity.
While lifestyle changes are an important solution, the US pharmaceutical giant is entering the Indian market with promises of drugs, strength and effectiveness, such as Maunzaro launched by veteran Elli Lily. Other widely popular drugs that are changing the landscape of obesity and diabetes globally are ozmpic (Anti-Diabetes Drugs sold by Novo Nordisk), Vagovi (Obesity medicine sold by Novo Nordisk), and Zapebound (weighing drugs sold by Ellie Lily).
However, as these drugs receive traction, experts take care of the challenges of weight loss after preventing their misuse, side effects, and the drug.
What happens if you stop taking weight loss medicines?
Many individuals experience significant weight loss on these drugs, but once they are closed, they struggle to keep the weight away.
“This is because these drugs do not address the underlying causes such as poor diet, emotional food, or food environment that promotes excessive consumption. The drugs press the appetite, and once they are stopped, the hunger returns to the basic level,” Dr. Vanita Rahman, Director of Medicine and Clinic responsible with internal medical and clinic director.
Dr. Rahman quoted a study published in JAMA, showing that about 2 out of 3 people who start GLP-1 agonist, they close them within 12 months for weight loss. GLP-1 are agonist drugs that mimic a natural hormone in the body to control blood sugar and appetite.
These drugs slow down digestion, make you feel complete for a long time, and help the body better use insulin. This can reduce weight and improve better blood sugar control.
However, once you stop taking them, your appetite can be normal, which can lead to weight again.
Dr. Rahman quoted another research by the University of Glasgow and Texas, which shows that after stopping the drugs, people recover the most lost weight.
“Medications affect appetite regulation, satisfaction and metabolic hormones. When the drug stops, the body gradually returns to its east-drug kingdom,” Dr. Sukhwinder Singh Saggu, CK Birla Hospital, GI at Deli and Director of Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Sukhwinder Singh Saggu said.
To maintain weight loss, it is important to adopt a permanent lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity and psychological support.
Is weight loss drugs being overpressed?
Given their growing popularity, concerns have increased whether weight loss drugs are being determined without full understanding of their long -term effects.
Dr. Rahman said that people need to know about the risks and boundaries related to it. These drugs have side effects and one must know about them.
Dr. Saggu said, “There is a concern that some of these drugs can be overcome, especially when their long -term effects have not yet been fully understood. Given limited long -term data, we should use these drugs prudent. We should use these drugs instead of blankets.
Common side effects of weight loss drugs
Like any drug, weight loss drugs come with potential side effects.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which can be reduced over time.
Other possible side effects include insomnia, constipation, headache and dry mouth, especially with stimulating drugs. Some drugs can cause oily spotting, gas, abdominal pain, stool urgency, incontinence and potentially severe liver injury.
Dr. Rahman said, “These drugs slow down the rate on which the food leaves the stomach, causing stomach discomfort, nausea and constipation. Possibly severe and blind eye is also worried about the risk of more than seven times the position of the eye,” Dr. Rahman said.
Many incidents were reported in February this year, which tell about those who experience conditions that can integrate and interrupt blood flow to the eye, which can lead to blindness. Nine such cases were exposed in the US, where drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepetide caused permanent vision loss.
What is a long -term solution?
While drugs provide temporary weight loss solutions, experts change lifestyle as the most effective way to maintain a healthy weight.
“Lifestyle changes can cause significant weight loss in less time, and patients are more likely to maintain weight loss because they are addressing the fundamental cause, which is nutrition,” Dr. Rahman advised.
Dr. Saggu said that if someone has to avoid re -acquiring lost weight, sustainable lifestyle options should be made, even if someone is on medicine.
“Healthy food habits, regular physical activity, stress management and quality sleep are the most effective long -term strategies for weight management. Unlike drugs, providing temporary effects, lifestyle modifications create permanent habits that help prevent weight,” he said.
As weight loss drugs like Maunzaro enter the Indian market, they provide a new avenue to deal with obesity and diabetes. While some experts call them “magical”, they only help in short term.
True and permanent weight management requires a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise and durable lifestyle changes.
Before considering weight loss drugs, patients should consult their doctors so that they are fully aware of potential risks and benefits.
