Study Shows Weight Regain after Stopping GLP Drugs
Studies are revealing that many people who stop using weight loss drugs will return to their previous weight, or end up weighing even more within two years. Overeating is far more likely after stopping GLP drugs, causing an increase in weight.
University of Oxford researchers analyzed the results of 37 studies involving more than 9,300 adults. They found that “weight regain after stopping drugs was faster than after ending behavioral weight loss programs such as diet and exercise support by approximately 0.3 kg (0.7 pounds) per month.”
The primary causes of weight regain after GLP drugs include:
Dieters never learned healthy nutrition habits to maintain their weight loss. Once their appetites returned, they had no tools to change their previous consumption habits. That’s why a weight loss coach is vital to guide and support new nutritional habits.
Loss of lean muscle: As you know, at BonVie, we place a great emphasis on “muscle sparing”. Muscle uses fat for fuel, so if you burn down muscle on any diet program, which is particularly typical with GLP dieters (or fasting) you have less muscle to burn fat as you go into maintenance than you did prior to your GLP use.
The drugs artificially push GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal, and over a long period can cause you to produce less of your own natural GLP-1. This makes you less sensitive to its effect, potentially making your appetite and cravings higher than before.
GLP-1 drugs cause a reduced resting metabolic rate (burn fewer calories at rest), leading to a slower metabolism in maintenance. At BonVie, we emphasize eating frequent small meals in order to optimize metabolic rate = burn calories.
When the dieter has mostly relied on GLP-1 to do the heavy lifting during weight loss, rather than making behavioral changes, it makes sense that they will likely overeat or eat a diet too high in carbs once they stop the drugs.
At BonVie, we have a number of clients who have struggled with excessive weight for many decades and are using a combination of GLP-1 drugs and the Ideal Protein Phase One of our program to reach their weight loss goal. We provide all the eating and lifestyle habits needed to maintain their new weight once they stop the GLP drugs.
If you are using or thinking of using GLP drugs, combining them with a modified Ideal Protein program ensures you will spare muscle and actually be burning fat. You will also have a shorter duration on the GLP drugs, weaning off successfully, and maintaining your new weight.
