logo
Study: Lost weight rebounds quickly after stopping weight-loss jabs

Study: Lost weight rebounds quickly after stopping weight-loss jabs

Yahoo22-07-2025
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
Doctors around the world have been hailing "miracle" medications that make weight loss far easier, but new research suggests that after a person stops taking certain drugs, the weight tends to increase again rather quickly.
People who received the medication lost significant weight during the therapy, and this even continued to a small extent for a few weeks after stopping the medication, according to a research team led by Han Wu and Wenjia Yang from Peking University People's Hospital.
However, from the eighth week after the end of therapy, researchers said there was a marked weight gain that persisted for many weeks.
The extent of weight gain varies depending on the medication and lifestyle changes, according to the study, but there is a clear trend towards weight gain after stopping the medication.
This confirms existing findings, according to Stephan Martin, chief physician for diabetology and director of the West German Diabetes and Health Centre at the Association of Catholic Clinics in Düsseldorf, Germany.
He said that some manufacturers of the medications had also demonstrated this themselves through randomized studies. Test subjects were given the active substances for 10 weeks, after which some were switched to a placebo. This group "then continuously regained weight," Martin reported.
In the current study, the researchers from Beijing also referred to an investigation in which people who had completed a 36-week treatment with the active substance tirzepatide (GLP-1-RA) regained about half of the weight they had previously lost within a year of switching to a placebo.
The newly published meta-analysis summarised the results of 11 independent studies from around the world, including those on the drug orlistat, the combinations naltrexone/bupropion and phentermine/topiramate, as well as the group of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The data came from a total of 1,574 people in treatment groups and 893 in control groups.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RA) are included in popular medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic. In some countries, they are approved for type 2 diabetes and some cases of obesity, and they are known as lifestyle drugs for achieving a slim figure.
These active substances, which are injected regularly, primarily prolong the time food stays in the digestive tract, thereby increasing the feeling of satiety. Side effects include gastrointestinal complaints.
One aspect of the study stands out: Those who initially experienced significant weight loss during therapy tended to regain more weight afterwards, even if they participated in programmes to change their lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits.
"This does not surprise me," says Anja Hilbert, professor of behavioural medicine at Germany's Leipzig University Hospital. Similar experiences are seen, for example, in people who follow a very low-calorie diet — they also tend to regain more weight after the diet ends than those who undergo moderate calorie limits.
However, the expert noted that there were only a few participants for this aspect of the study. "The results of the study actually suggest that long-term, perhaps even lifelong use of the medication may be necessary to stabilise weight," Hilbert says.
"It is a long-term therapy," diabetologist Martin emphasizes. Anyone who believes they can lose weight with this therapy and then everything will be fine is mistaken. "You need this therapy permanently."
Some in the US health care system have raised concerns that many people may not be aware of this or may accept it.
According to studies, two-thirds of people treated for obesity, most of whom pay for the treatment themselves, stopped using the medication within a year.
"We don't know why: Maybe it becomes too expensive, maybe they have lost enough weight and believe it will now stay off," says Martin, who advocates for more overweight prevention rather than treating the consequences.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Man lost 10 stone by changing diet and walking dog
Man lost 10 stone by changing diet and walking dog

Yahoo

time44 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Man lost 10 stone by changing diet and walking dog

Fast food fan Joshua Hilton has lost the equivalent of a great Dane in weight after ditching his £5,000-a-year takeaway habit. The 31-year-old mostly ate at McDonald's but would also binge on KFCs and Chinese and Indian food. The hairdresser, from Lyneham, Wiltshire, said he became so embarrassed by his weight, he would avoid leaving his home as he did not like seeing people. But after changing his diet, he has halved his weight from 20 stone (127kg) to 10 stone (63.5kg) in about 18 months. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Remembering his former self, he said: "I did not do any walking or exercise as it would make me feel exhausted and I would be sweating. "I would also want to avoid people so I would never really want to be out in public." At the time the money he was spending did not seem significant as it would be "£10 here, £20 there". On bad days, Mr Hilton would start the day with McDonald's. "But it would be two of everything. I would quite often skip lunch so I could pre-plan my binge for the evening. "That could be going back to McDonald's. It could be Chinese, Indian, KFC," he added. At the beginning of 2024, a photograph taken in work made him realise it was time to change his diet. He said the key to losing weight has been to eat the correct portion sizes and avoid takeaways, although he does still eat the odd burger. When it comes to exercise, he does not go to the gym. "I'm on my feet all day and along with dog walks, that was enough for me," he said. His new slim self has left him feeling happier and his sleep has improved. "It's 100% made me more confident," he said. Mr Hilton recommended others looking to lose weight should make steady changes to their diet over time. He added by doing this, he has "lost the equivalent of a great Dane". Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Shop's take-away plans withdrawn after dozens oppose Chippy owner calls out 'hot delivery girl' review Mobile cafe for youth offenders opens its doors

'Japanese Walking' Is Trending, but Is Walking Exercise? Personal Trainers Answer
'Japanese Walking' Is Trending, but Is Walking Exercise? Personal Trainers Answer

CNET

time2 hours ago

  • CNET

'Japanese Walking' Is Trending, but Is Walking Exercise? Personal Trainers Answer

Also called interval walking training, a trend known as "Japanese walking" is having a moment. According to The Washington Post, though it's trending now, Japanese walking isn't new. It originated from a 2007 study in Japan that found that high-intensity interval walking may protect middle-aged and older people from dealing with increases in blood pressure and decreases in muscle strength and peak oxygen uptake. Recently, a July 2025 study also concluded that prefrail and frail older adults who increased their walking by 14 steps per minute had a 10% increase in the odds of improvement during a 6-minute walk test. This represents progress in mobility, endurance or function. With these promising study outcomes, you may ask yourself: Is walking exercise? We asked personal trainers for their expert insights. Is walking exercise? Yes, walking is exercise, and experts across physical and mental health disciplines agree. Sergii Putsov, a certified personal trainer with a PhD in sports science, says, "Walking for just 30 minutes every day can lower your risk of severe cardiovascular disease and dementia." April Crowe, a licensed clinical social worker at Paramount Wellness Retreat, adds that "walking in natural environments also boosts cognitive function and creativity, thereby providing a unique kind of therapy." Does walking do more than build your heart's strength? As it turns out, yes. The Mayo Clinic has identified additional health benefits of walking. According to the medical center, walking can improve muscle endurance, boost energy, lower blood pressure, strengthen bones and support the immune system. You can see benefits both outdoors and on a treadmill. Walking alone can also change the shape of your body. In 2017, the Journal of Physical Activity and Health did a meta-analysis of 22 clinical trials related to walking and health. The results revealed that brisk walking reduced waist circumference, fat mass and body fat percentage to a "clinically significant" degree in men and women under age 50 living with obesity. It can also lead to overall weight loss. So, that "hot girl walk" you take could cause noticeable changes to your body if you stick to it. Is walking enough exercise on its own? Walking can certainly be combined with other activities as part of a circuit. You can also walk as a warm-up for jogging or cycling. Walking on its own can deliver results and may have fewer negative impacts on your body than other high-impact sports. Gregor Parella, also a CPT, says of walking for walking's sake: "It is much better than jogging because jogging can put undue pressure on your ankles, especially if you're heavily built. On the other hand, brisk walking is one of the best exercises because it tones your leg and calf muscles without the same pressure on joints. Even walking at a slow pace is better than being stationary at home, but a faster pace will also hasten the health benefits. A 2019 study in Atherosclerosis found that "walking pace was inversely associated with the risk of death and development of cardiovascular disease" in male physicians with an average age of 67.8. In other words, the faster you walk, the lower your risk of death and cardiovascular disease. Regarding how long you should walk, the US Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, or 30 minutes a day for five days, for substantial health benefits. This can include walking briskly at 2.5 mph to 4 mph. Walking at a slow or leisurely pace (2 mph or less) is considered a light-intensity activity, which is likely to produce some health benefits compared to sedentary behavior, but not as many benefits as walking health benefits There are many health benefits to walking. Not only can the activity lower cortisol levels, like all forms of exercise, and give you some fresh air, but you may see various tangible improvements in the following health indicators: Better sleep. Low-impact physical activity can lead to more fitful sleep. One small 2020 study published in Sleep Health found that increasing daily steps led to better quality sleep, especially among women. Low-impact physical activity can lead to more fitful sleep. One small 2020 study published in Sleep Health found that increasing daily steps led to better quality sleep, especially among women. Lower risk of type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, walking at least 30 minutes per day could help you stave off type 2 diabetes. Increasing your daily step count may keep your glucose levels in check. According to the American Diabetes Association, walking at least 30 minutes per day could help you stave off type 2 diabetes. Increasing your daily step count may keep your glucose levels in check. Lower blood pressure. A 2022 study from the American Family Physician reported that a regular walking schedule with moderate intensity can lower systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. A 2022 study from the American Family Physician reported that a regular walking schedule with moderate intensity can lower systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Improved balance. Remaining steady on your feet is increasingly important for your health as you age. Harvard Health Publishing states that walking builds lower body strength, which improves balance. Remaining steady on your feet is increasingly important for your health as you age. Harvard Health Publishing states that walking builds lower body strength, which improves balance. Lower risk of cancer. Walking may even reduce your risk of some cancers. A 2013 study out of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that postmenopausal women who walked at least seven hours per week had a 14% lower risk of getting breast cancer than women who walked three hours or less every week. Tips for taking your walking to the next level If you hit a plateau with your walking routine, you can add some intensity to your walk without having to jog or switch activities. Making your walk more rigorous could increase the number of calories burned by giving your body a new challenge. Ways to up the ante on your daily walk include: Increase the time of your walk. If you're currently walking 30 minutes a day, add more time in 10- or 15-minute intervals. Putsov recommends walking at least 45 minutes a day if your goal is weight loss. If you're currently walking 30 minutes a day, add more time in 10- or 15-minute intervals. Putsov recommends walking at least 45 minutes a day if your goal is weight loss. Increase your speed. You can also add more intensity by picking up speed. Free fitness workout apps with GPS enabled, including Nike Run Club, can help you track distance and time to calculate your pace. You can also add more intensity by picking up speed. Free fitness workout apps with GPS enabled, including Nike Run Club, can help you track distance and time to calculate your pace. Wear wrist or ankle weights. Tying on weights like Bala Bangles Tying on weights like Alternate your pace. Both CPTs we spoke to recommended walking intervals to make walking more challenging. Try walking for five minutes at a regular pace, then five minutes of speed walking, and so on. Both CPTs we spoke to recommended walking intervals to make walking more challenging. Try walking for five minutes at a regular pace, then five minutes of speed walking, and so on. Add an incline to your route. Are you walking on a flat surface for most of your route? Find a hill to increase the difficulty of your trek. You may also want to add retro-walking (walking backward) up an incline. Getty Images How to stay motivated while walking It's easy to get excited about a new workout routine initially, and it's just as natural to get bored or frustrated when you stop seeing major results. You may find music and podcasts helpful because they make time appear to pass more quickly. Just make sure that these sounds are background noise so that you can still be aware of your environment and those around you. Crowe also recommends setting clear, achievable goals. She says it can help to remind yourself about how far you've come, explaining, "Recording all achievements made during walks, whether through mobile apps or personal journals, will act as a reminder," which can push you harder next time. If going it alone is making it harder to stay on track, try walking with a partner or seeing if there is a walking club in your area. Parella says a walking buddy can increase your sense of accountability and make the experience more fun. You may also try new scenery to stay motivated during a walk. Getting some sun will increase your vitamin D intake, which may improve your mood. Walking safety tips Before you hit the sidewalk on your daily walk or hot girl walk, be sure you're well-equipped for the task. While a neighborhood or lakeside stroll may seem harmless, you still want to set yourself up for a safe return.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store