A doctor has issued a warning to anyone taking weight loss medications. The expert explained that without proper lifestyle changes, you could risk putting all the weight back on once you stop.

This refers to treatments known as GLP-1 inhibitors, which work by reducing your appetite. While these medications, which are available on the NHS to some people, have been shown to be successful,they are not a “magic” solution.

In a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok, Doctor Karan Rajan, explained more. Dr Rajan, who is better known online as Dr Raj, said: “If you're taking a GLP-1, do you have to take it forever?

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“An analysis of over 9,000 people showed that those who stopped newer GLP-1s regained weight at about 0.8 kilos, or 1.8 pounds, per month. On average a return to baseline weight in around 1.5 years.”

However, this isn’t due to the medications failing, he said. “This weight gain isn't a failure of the drugs, they do exactly what they were designed to do whilst you take them,” Dr Raj said.

“It reflects the nature of obesity as a chronic relapsing condition and perhaps this is a cautionary tale for short-term use without a more comprehensive approach to weight management.”

To maintain your weight after taking GLP-1s he said you will need to continue a healthy lifestyle. He continued: “When you remove the signal provided by a GLP-1, biology reverts back to default settings and obesity biology is powerful.

“An uncomfortable truth you need to know is that GLP-1 aren't cures and they don't magically fix weight loss. They simply act like blood pressure pills or statins - if you stop the medication, you lose the effect.

“To truly change the long-term health trajectory of someone taking a GLP-1, not just from adherence and compliance, but actually to improve outcomes, lifestyle changes are non-negotiable.”

Muscle mass, behaviour, sleep, fibre, protein, stress, and insulin sensitivity, are all factors that need to be taken into consideration, he said. “So do you have to stay on a GLP1 forever?” he said.

“Think of it like eczema. Some people can just avoid eczema triggers and manage fine without any medication.

“Some people might need occasional reliever creams to deal with their eczema, and some people might need daily medication forever. GLP-1s follow the same logic.”

Types of weight loss medications

Many different types of weight management medicines have been tested in clinical trials. However, the only ones that are approved for use on the NHS for weight management are:

• Orlistat


• Liraglutide


• Semaglutide


• Tirzepatide

The NHS says: “You should only use weight management medicines if a doctor or pharmacist recommends them for you. They will look at your individual health needs to decide if the medicine is safe and right for you, taking into account the benefits and any possible side effects.

“All medicines for supporting weight management should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Never take a medicine for weight management if it has not been prescribed for you.

“These types of medicines may not be safe for you and could cause serious side effects.”

NHS figures show that in 2022, 29 per cent of adults in England were classed as obese, while 64 per cent were overweight.

What to do if you’re worried about your weight

If you're living with obesity, your GP can offer you advice about improving your lifestyle and losing and managing your weight safely. The NHS says: “Your GP can advise you about losing weight safely by eating a healthy, balanced diet and doing regular physical activity.”

They can also refer you to a specialist weight management service if you need more intense support to help you lose weight, including:

• Local weight management services provided by the NHS in your area


• National programmes, such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme

For more information, visit the NHS website here.