Combining Exercise with Weight Loss Drugs Improves Long-Term Results, Study Finds
Weight loss drugs have been making waves in the pharmaceutical market, with medications like Ozempic and Wegovy gaining popularity. However, concerns have been raised about the long-term benefits of these drugs. Many individuals tend to regain a significant amount of weight once they stop taking these appetite-suppressing medications. But a recent study conducted by experts at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark has found a potential solution – combining weight loss drugs with supervised exercise programs.
The study focused on liraglutide, a drug that belongs to the same class as Ozempic and Wegovy. All these medications are known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and were initially developed to treat diabetes. They work by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that controls blood sugar. However, researchers are still exploring how to best utilize the appetite-suppressing properties of these drugs for controlled weight loss.
According to biomedical scientist Simon Birk Kjær Jensen from the University of Copenhagen, people who stop taking weight loss drugs often struggle to maintain the positive effects. However, the study conducted by Jensen and his team reveals that individuals who incorporate exercise into their treatment have a better chance of sustaining weight loss even after stopping the drugs.
The clinical trial involved 109 adults with obesity who were divided into four groups. One group received liraglutide injections only, while another group combined liraglutide with supervised exercise for two hours a week. A third group underwent only supervised exercise, and the last group had no specific weight loss plan. After a year, the researchers checked up on all participants to assess their weight management progress.
The results showed that those who had taken liraglutide injections had regained about two-thirds of their initial weight loss. On the other hand, individuals who focused solely on exercise fared better in the long run. The findings indicate that while liraglutide can lead to weight loss comparable to exercise alone, it is not as effective at maintaining weight loss as exercise alone.
Interestingly, those who combined liraglutide with supervised exercise achieved the best outcomes. A significant number of participants in this group were able to sustain a weight loss of at least 10 percent of their initial weight a year after stopping treatment. On average, they weighed about 5 kilograms less than those who only received liraglutide injections.
The sustained outcomes observed in the combined treatment group are likely due to the adoption of healthy exercise habits. Participants in this group continued to engage in regular exercise even without supervision, leading to reduced weight gain after treatment cessation. This not only resulted in better physical health but also improved mental well-being and overall quality of life.
Biomedical researcher Signe Sørensen Torekov highlights the importance of exercise in conjunction with weight loss drugs. She explains that individuals who followed an exercise regime, with or without drug treatment, experienced increased energy levels and improved mental health. In contrast, those who solely relied on medical treatment felt more tired and less energetic.
The study suggests that individuals should consider incorporating exercise into their weight loss journey, especially if they do not wish to rely on drugs for the rest of their lives. While GLP-1 receptor drugs can initially trigger weight loss, they do not address lifestyle changes and may come with unpleasant side effects that could discourage exercise.
Despite the hype surrounding appetite suppressing drugs, exercise remains an essential prescription for long-term weight management. Further research is needed to explore how weight-loss drugs like liraglutide can be most effectively used in combination with exercise for sustained weight loss. The study’s findings were published in LANCET eClinicalMedicine, shedding light on the potential benefits of combining exercise with weight loss drugs.
