From the Guidelines
Weight gain after stopping a GLP-1 agonist is common and expected, with most people regaining about two-thirds of their lost weight within a year of discontinuation. To minimize weight regain, it is essential to gradually transition off the medication while implementing sustainable lifestyle changes, including a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity 1. The weight regain occurs because GLP-1 agonists work by suppressing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and affecting reward centers in the brain - when discontinued, these effects reverse, leading to increased hunger and potentially decreased metabolic rate.
Some key points to consider when stopping a GLP-1 agonist include:
- Gradually transitioning off the medication to minimize weight regain
- Implementing a reduced-calorie diet, typically 500 calories below maintenance needs
- Engaging in regular physical activity, such as 150+ minutes weekly of moderate exercise
- Incorporating behavior modifications like meal planning and stress management
- Considering working with healthcare providers to develop a maintenance plan before stopping
- Regular monitoring and adjustment of the maintenance plan, as weight management is typically a long-term or lifelong process
It is also important to note that combining supervised exercise with GLP-1 RA therapy may be more favorable in maintaining body weight and body composition compared to GLP-1 RA therapy alone 1. Additionally, reducing sedentary time and incorporating muscle-strengthening activities can help reduce the loss of lean mass and improve overall health outcomes. A comprehensive approach that incorporates lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, and potential transitions to different weight management medications can help mitigate weight regain and improve long-term health outcomes.
From the Research
Weight Gain After Stopping GLP-1 Agonist
- The provided studies do not directly address the issue of weight gain after stopping GLP-1 agonist treatment 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is known that GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective for weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes, and their discontinuation may lead to weight regain 3, 5.
- The studies focus on the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing A1C and weight, as well as their cardiovascular benefits 3, 4, 5, 6.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support a specific statement on weight gain after stopping GLP-1 agonist treatment.
- Further research would be needed to determine the effects of discontinuing GLP-1 agonist treatment on weight gain 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.