Mixed
Pharmacologic weight loss medications are effective only when used as adjuncts to lifestyle modifications; discontinuation of medication without sustained lifestyle changes leads to inevitable weight regain.
If you are prescribed a weight loss medication, understand that it is not a cure. It works best when you simultaneously adopt dietary changes and physical activity. If you stop the medication without having established sustainable lifestyle habits, you will likely regain the weight. The drug is an adjunct, not a substitute.
Weight regain is imminent after the medications are stopped, especially if one relies solely on pharmacotherapy without lifestyle modifications.
Why this rating
Based on a review of FDA approval criteria requiring double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials showing >5% weight loss.
Source
Epidemiology of Obesity and Pharmacologic Treatment Options
Vignesh Shettar et al. · Nutrition in Clinical Practice · 2017
DOI 10.1177/0884533617713189
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