While treatments like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy can provide a helping hand, there’s no magic bullet when it comes to losing weight.
Given GLP-1 agonist medications have been shown to help people lose up to four times more than going it alone, it’s no wonder they’re popular.
However, a proportion of the estimated 1.5 million people in the UK who are now on these jabs will struggle to keep the pounds off long-term — and some may even end up heavier than when they started.
‘While it can differ depending on the individual, it’s quite common for people to regain some of the weight lost once they stop taking the medication,’ Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, tells Metro.
There are a few factors behind this, from metabolism to appetite. But going back on your progress isn’t inevitable, as long as you’re careful to avoid these five common pitfalls.
Abruptly stopping treatment
As these treatments work by suppressing appetite, Dr Grant warns that going cold turkey ‘could increase it, leading to poor eating habits and potential weight gain.’
If you’re considering coming off your medication, he recommends speaking to your GP about doing so slowly and safely.
‘A medical professional can advise further on a potential tapering plan, while also providing dietary advice and lifestyle habits that can help reduce weight gain,’ he adds.
Not making lifestyle changes
According to a recent study of over 6,000 people by scientists at Oxford University, those who use GLP-1 drugs will put their weight back on within 10 months of stopping if they don’t continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Grant explains: ‘When stopping weight loss injections, it’s crucially important that individuals replace the treatment with another way to keep weight off.’
Even 30 minutes of daily exercise can make all the difference, burning off some of those extra calories you’re consuming and stopping you falling into a sedentary routine.
Stopping too early
Quick fixes and ‘crash diets’ rarely result in any lasting improvements — and the same is true for GLP-1 medications.
‘Choosing to stop weight loss treatment too early is by far one of the most common errors people make,’ says Dr Grant. ‘These drugs are designed to be used long-term, but not doing so gives the body little time to adapt to the treatment.’
It’s a marathon, not a sprint, with many providers recommending a course of between 12 and 24 months. Unless you’re prepared to make that commitment, you may not reap the full benefits of treatment.
Not changing your diet
Making changes to your diet while taking Ozempic, Mounjaro or Wegovy is a vital step to maintaining your progress forward. In fact, Dr Grant claims failure to do so is a ‘sure-fire way to regain weight lost’.
‘It’s important for people to draw up a dietary plan, including structured meal times to avoid overeating,’ he explains.
‘I also recommend a well-balanced diet including a variety of high-protein, fibre-rich and healthy fat foods.’
Not monitoring weight regularly
‘While it’s important not to create an unhealthy relationship with weight management, tracking weight closely once ending any treatments can help people adjust their routine to avoid losing progress,’ says Dr Grant.
It’s easy to revert to old habits once you end a course of medication, but regular monitoring ensures you can get back on track before you lose too much progress.
Since you’ve put so much time, energy and potentially money into the progress you’ve made so far, just think of this as protecting your investment.
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