I have received a lot of questions about weight regain and using Ozempic or Monjourno after weight loss surgery. I appreciate your ongoing interest in exploring different approaches to weight loss and your dedication to understanding the complexities of our bodies and I want to share my response to this question here. You’ve raised some essential questions about the use of GLP-1 agonists, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, in weight management.
First, it’s crucial to acknowledge that GLP-1 agonists can indeed be very effective for weight loss, but they do not fundamentally alter the body’s “set point” for body fat. This means that, while these medications can help you achieve significant weight loss, they must be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise to be successful.
The reason behind this lies in the body’s innate mechanisms. Just like with weight loss through traditional means, your body perceives a change in your fat stores when using GLP-1 agonists. It responds by shedding some of that excess fat, leading to weight loss. However, when you stop taking these medications, your body will naturally work to restore its body fat levels back to where they were before.
To put it in perspective, you can think of GLP-1 agonists as being similar to medications used to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. As long as these medications are taken appropriately, they can effectively maintain blood sugar within normal ranges, especially when combined with an appropriate diet. However, the underlying condition still exists, and blood sugar levels will rise to abnormal levels if the medication is discontinued.
In much the same way, when you stop taking GLP-1 agonists, your body fat levels may gradually return to their previous baseline. Adhering to a healthy diet and exercise regimen can help slow down this progression, but studies have shown that around 90% of individuals may experience weight regain after discontinuing these medications.
Now, let’s compare this to weight loss surgery, where the outcomes are quite remarkable. Weight loss surgery not only aids in achieving significant weight loss but also offers an additional benefit, particularly in cases of type II diabetes. Unlike GLP-1 agonists, weight loss surgery can often restore normal blood sugar levels in individuals with type II diabetes without the need for medications.
Moreover, weight loss surgery doesn’t just stop at weight reduction; it goes a step further. It has the unique ability to reset the body’s fat stores to a more normal, physiologic level. This process occurs naturally without the need for additional medications to facilitate or maintain the weight loss.
In essence, weight loss surgery represents a comprehensive approach to improving health by addressing both weight management and related conditions like type II diabetes. It not only helps you achieve a healthier weight but also encourages your body to maintain it without the constant reliance on medications.
The key takeaway here is that GLP-1 agonists can be valuable tools in your weight loss journey, but they are not a permanent solution on their own. To maintain your weight loss successfully, it’s essential to continue with a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise. The medication can provide assistance, but your ongoing commitment is vital.
If you have more questions or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to reach out and submit your question here. Your dedication to understanding your options is commendable, and we are here to support you on your path to better health.
