A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Hvidovre Hospital in Denmark sheds light on the effectiveness of maintaining weight loss after discontinuing pharmaceutical treatments for obesity. The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, focused on the impact of exercise on weight maintenance post-treatment.
Traditionally, there has been a concern that individuals who cease taking weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Saxenda may struggle to sustain weight loss. However, the findings of this study challenge this notion. Lead researcher Professor Signe Sørensen Torekov revealed that individuals who engaged in a structured exercise regime alongside pharmaceutical treatment were able to maintain the benefits of weight loss a year after the treatment was discontinued.
The study included participants divided into four groups – a placebo group, a group receiving the weight loss drug Saxenda, a group performing exercise, and a group combining the drug with regular exercise. All participants were on a calorie-restricted diet. The results showed that individuals who integrated exercise into their treatment regimen were better equipped to prevent weight regain after cessation of pharmaceutical intervention.
Postdoc Simon Birk Kjær Jensen, the first author of the study, emphasized the importance of exercise in maintaining weight loss and overall health. He noted that individuals who exercised during treatment did not experience the same weight regain typically observed in those who discontinued pharmaceutical therapy. The study suggested that incorporating just two hours of exercise per week, tailored to individual fitness levels, could significantly help in sustaining weight loss benefits post-treatment.
Furthermore, the researchers found that participants who engaged in exercise reported a better quality of life, including increased energy levels and improved mental health. This contrasted with those who solely relied on medical treatment, who reported feeling more fatigued and less energetic post-treatment.
Based on these findings, the researchers advocate for the inclusion of exercise recommendations alongside prescriptions for weight loss drugs to enhance long-term weight maintenance outcomes. Combining pharmaceutical interventions with regular physical activity not only supports weight loss but also contributes to improved quality of life and muscle mass preservation.
In conclusion, the study highlights the significance of incorporating exercise into weight loss treatment regimens to achieve sustainable outcomes beyond the period of medication use. By prioritizing physical activity alongside pharmaceutical interventions, individuals can enhance their chances of maintaining weight loss and experiencing long-lasting health benefits.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
