Millions of Americans have dropped pounds and boosted their health using popular drugs like Wegovy.
Now, we are getting some answers to a question a lot of people are asking: What happens if you stop taking them?
European researchers looked at data from the longest clinical trial on Wegovy that examined 17,000 adults over age 45 in 41 countries over the course of four years.
The analysis showed an average weight loss of just over 10% for people on the drug, compared with 1.5% for study participants who got a placebo.
Participants on the medication typically lost weight for about 65 weeks before reaching a plateau.
The results showed the average weight loss for people using Wegovy was sustained for up to 208 weeks, or four years.
Those who stayed on the medicine after four years lost an additional 5.5 % of their body weight.
Those who unknowingly switched to a placebo regained 14% of their weight.
Doctors who specialize in obesity say results vary and a personalized weight loss program makes a significant difference.
“The bottom line is that obesity is a chronic disease, so it needs to be treated long-term in order to be managed,” one expert said. “When people stop an anti-obesity medication, we expect that their weight goes back up. Sometimes it happens right away. And sometimes people maintain that weight for longer, and then at some point they eventually start gaining and gaining.”
Researchers said there were also no surprises in regard to the drug’s safety in the long-term study. There was a slight increase in gallbladder disorders, but that is listed on the prescribing information.
As with any medication, you should always have a conversation with your doctor before taking it.