How Effective Are Weight-Loss Drugs? Experts Warn of 5 Key Risks Beyond Weight Reduction

New Delhi: Modern anti-obesity medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have transformed the treatment of obesity, with clinical studies showing they can help patients lose 15–20% of their body weight. While these medicines offer significant health benefits, experts say they are not a magic solution and come with important risks that patients should understand.

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Recent studies published in The BMJ reviewed data from nearly 100,000 patients across 262 clinical trials, finding that these medications not only promote weight loss but also improve several cardiometabolic health markers. However, researchers emphasized that successful obesity treatment should be measured by overall health improvements—not just the number on the weighing scale.

A separate review involving more than 9,300 patients examined what happens after treatment is stopped and found that many people gradually regain weight, highlighting the importance of long-term lifestyle management.

Five Important Risks Experts Highlight

Muscle Loss Along With Fat Loss
Weight-loss drugs can reduce lean muscle mass as well as body fat. Since muscle plays a vital role in strength, metabolism, mobility, and healthy ageing, experts recommend combining medication with adequate protein intake and regular resistance training to preserve muscle.

Weight Can Return After Stopping Medication
Research suggests patients regain an average of 0.4 kg per month after discontinuing treatment. Many individuals may return close to their previous weight within 18 to 24 months if healthy lifestyle habits are not maintained.

Quality of Life May Not Improve Equally
Although significant weight loss is common, studies indicate that improvements in overall quality of life vary from person to person. Weight reduction does not automatically translate into better physical or emotional well-being for every patient.

Health Benefits May Fade
Improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol achieved during treatment can gradually diminish after medication is stopped, particularly if weight is regained.

Medication Alone Is Not Enough
Specialists stress that obesity should be treated as a chronic medical condition, similar to diabetes or hypertension. Long-term success depends on sustained dietary changes, physical activity, medical follow-up, and healthy lifestyle habits—not medication alone.

Despite these concerns, doctors say the medications remain highly effective when prescribed appropriately and used under medical supervision. They are especially beneficial for people with obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Experts advise patients not to self-medicate and to consult healthcare professionals before starting or stopping any weight-loss medication.