The popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications continues to soarâand their uptake is helping to push down obesity rates on a national scaleâbut a safe, evidence-based way off the drugs isnât yet in clear view.
An analysis published this week in JAMA Internal Medicine found that most participants in a clinical trial who were assigned to stop taking tirzepatide (Zepbound from Eli Lilly) not only regained significant amounts of the weight they had lost on the drug, but they also saw their cardiovascular and metabolic improvements slip away. Their blood pressure went back up, as did their cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c (used to assess glucose control levels), and fasting insulin.
In an accompanying editorial, two medical experts at the University of Pittsburgh, Elizabeth Oczypok and Timothy Anderson, suggest that this new class of drugs should be rebranded from âweight lossâ drugs to âweight managementâ drugs, which people may need to take indefinitely.
Thank you for sharing this insightful post! It’s interesting to see the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications and the discussions surrounding their long-term implications. Itâs important to consider all aspects as more people explore these options.
Thank you for your comment! It’s fascinating to consider how the increase in GLP-1 usage might impact not just weight loss, but also the broader healthcare landscape, especially in managing obesity-related conditions.