Front Royal, Virginia – More than 3 million Americans are faced with a dilemma after successfully losing weight with popular obesity drugs like Wegovy: what happens if they stop taking them? Concerns about regaining weight and reverting to old habits are prevalent among users, as clinical trials have shown that pausing the drugs often leads to weight regain.
Despite the advice to continue using the drugs continuously, some individuals are exploring different strategies to taper off their intake, such as stretching out doses, taking the medication intermittently, or stopping and starting again as needed. While some see these drugs as aids in their weight loss journey, others are looking for ways to eventually discontinue usage, finding alternative methods to maintain their weight loss progress.
The new medications, including semaglutide in Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as tirzepatide in Mounjaro and Zepbound, have gained popularity in the U.S. with over 3 million prescriptions being dispensed each month. However, adherence to these medications is a challenge, with only 40% of patients who filled a prescription for Wegovy in 2021 or 2022 still taking it a year later.
Medical experts emphasize that obesity is a chronic condition that requires long-term management, comparing it to conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure. The injection drugs work by regulating appetite and feelings of fullness through mimicking hormones in the gut and brain. They are specifically designed and tested for continuous usage.
Some individuals have chosen to pause their medication due to side effects, cost, or wanting a break from the weekly injections, despite recommendations to use the drugs continuously. However, experts warn that discontinuing these drugs can lead to a resurgence of symptoms of obesity, such as increased hunger and decreased feelings of fullness.
Although some patients have successfully tapered off their medication or stretched out doses, the long-term effects of intermittent use remain unknown. Switching between stopping and starting the drugs can also lead to unwanted gastrointestinal side effects or reduced efficacy when restarting. While it may work for select individuals, it is not a recommended strategy for the majority.
As individuals like Donna Cooper look to transition off the drugs and maintain their weight loss progress, uncertainties remain around the effectiveness of alternative strategies. Cooper, who has lost nearly 40 pounds with Wegovy and diet and exercise, plans to continue with a strict regimen once she finishes her last box of injections. The journey to sustained weight loss after stopping these drugs is a challenging one, with many users cautiously navigating their paths towards a healthier future.