Chicago — Some users of popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy experience undesirable effects when they stop using the drug.
Artemis Bayandor of Naperville started gaining weight after quitting Wegoby because the drug's price rose dramatically.
See also: Chicago man fakes Ozempic diabetes, warns after taking weight loss drug
“I actually weigh about 15 to 20 pounds more than I did before I started Wegovy,” Bayandor said.
Bayandor started taking Wigoby in August 2021 after consulting with her doctor as she was struggling to lose the baby weight that was so difficult to shed.
Bayandor lost 15 pounds in more than six months. But when her manufacturer's coupon expired, she had to stop taking her medication because her insurance wouldn't cover it.
“The pharmacy called me and said, 'You're paying the coupon price of $25 for six months,'” Bayandor said. “Now the price has gone up to about $1,300.”
“I gained 15 pounds within six months of quitting Wegobee, and I've probably gained another 15 pounds since then,” Bayandor said.
Wegovy's active ingredient is semaglutide, the first drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes. In June 2021, the FDA approved its use for chronic weight management in overweight or obese adults.
A 2022 study found that once patients stop taking the medication, the average weight gain rebound is about two-thirds of the total weight lost.
Related article: FDA announces seizure of “thousands'' of counterfeit Ozempic
Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wigovy, said in a statement: “Understandably, patients experience weight regain when they stop taking the medication. Obesity, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, requires long-term management. It is a chronic disease that requires treatment.” . ”
Experts emphasize that these drugs must be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, exercise and diet.
Dr. Louis Aronne said drugs like Wigoby can affect people's weight in different ways, as not everyone is able to maintain their weight loss.
“Once you stop taking the medication that affects your weight, the weight will start to come back,” Arone says. “Some people can maintain their weight loss, but not everyone can.”
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