(NewsNation) — Researchers said they have developed a minimally invasive procedure that may help people keep weight off after stopping popular medications like Ozempic and semaglutide, addressing one of the biggest challenges facing the multibillion-dollar weight-loss drug industry.
The procedure, called duodenal mucosal resurfacing, uses controlled heat to renew the lining of the upper small intestine, potentially "resetting" a person's metabolism to prevent the common weight regain that occurs when patients discontinue GLP-1 medications.
"Finding a treatment that allows patients to stop these medications without weight regain or loss of metabolic benefit is a huge unmet need," said Dr. Shelby Sullivan, director of the Endoscopic Bariatric and Metabolic Program at Dartmouth Health Weight Center and lead author of the research said.
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Nearly 70% of people who stop GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy regain much of the weight they lost, often within 18 months. The cost of ongoing medication, side effects and a reluctance to take drugs indefinitely drive many patients to discontinue use.