Banjara Hills Doctor Warns of Weight Regain After Stopping GLP-1 Drugs

Medical experts in Hyderabad, including a bariatric surgeon at Care Hospitals in Banjara Hills, have cautioned that GLP-1 weight-loss medications are not a quick fix for obesity, warning that patients face a return of hunger and weight regain once they stop the treatment.

Dr. Venugopal Pareek, Clinical Director and Head of General and Bariatric Surgery at Care Hospitals in Banjara Hills, and Dr. Naseemuddin N. Shaikh, Consultant Endocrinologist at Renova Century Hospitals, explained the physiological changes that occur when patients discontinue these popular drugs. Both specialists emphasized that long-term lifestyle changes are critical to maintaining weight loss after the injections stop.

According to Dr. Shaikh, GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a natural gut hormone that regulates appetite, slows stomach emptying, increases the feeling of fullness, and helps improve blood sugar control. Once the medication is discontinued, these physiological effects gradually wear off. Dr. Shaikh noted that hunger and food cravings often return, satiety decreases, and maintaining a reduced calorie intake becomes more challenging.

Dr. Pareek stressed that obesity is a chronic medical condition, much like diabetes or high blood pressure, and requires long-term management. He stated that while GLP-1 medicines help reduce hunger and improve portion control to make weight loss easier, they should not be seen as a quick fix.

Addressing the common concern of weight regain, Dr. Shaikh explained that while gaining weight back is common after stopping GLP-1 therapy, it is not inevitable. He pointed out that obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease influenced by genetics, hormones, metabolism, lifestyle, and environmental factors. However, the extent of weight regain varies from person to person.

To maintain a healthy weight after stopping the medication, Dr. Pareek recommended that patients focus on eating a balanced diet with adequate protein, fibre, fruits, and vegetables while limiting processed and high-sugar foods. He also emphasized the importance of regular physical activity, good sleep, stress management, and staying well-hydrated.

Regarding whether these medications require lifelong use, Dr. Shaikh explained that treatment duration must be individualized based on the severity of obesity, associated medical conditions, response to therapy, and long-term health goals. He stated that patients with severe obesity or conditions such as type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or heart disease might benefit from longer-term treatment, while others may gradually discontinue the medication under medical supervision after establishing sustainable lifestyle habits.