Medical Bulletin 23/July/2025 - Video

Patients who take anti-obesity medications to aid in weight loss may experience significant weight regain after stopping the drugs, according to a new meta-analysis published in BMC Medicine. The study analyzed data from 11 randomized clinical trials and found that while weight loss was substantial during treatment, many participants began regaining weight as early as eight weeks after discontinuing the medication.

Obesity medications, including orlistat, phentermine-topiramate, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide, have become increasingly common tools in managing weight-related health conditions. Although they are often effective while in use, concerns have emerged about the sustainability of their effects once treatment stops.

To explore this, researchers conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of global studies involving 1,574 patients in treatment groups and 893 in control groups. Participants’ weight change was assessed through body weight and BMI at intervals following discontinuation. The 11 studies included six focused on GLP-1 receptor agonists, one on GLP-1 and GLP dual receptor agonists, two on phentermine-topiramate, one on orlistat, and one on naltrexone-bupropion.

The analysis revealed a consistent trend: patients began regaining weight around eight weeks after stopping the medication, with this increase continuing over a 20-week period before stabilizing. The extent of weight regains varied depending on the specific medication and the presence or absence of lifestyle interventions such as diet or exercise.

While the study did not include comparisons with surgical interventions or structured lifestyle programs, the findings highlight a broader challenge in long-term weight management. “Weight regain has been reported with other weight loss methods, such as gastric bypass and vertical banded gastroplasty,” the authors noted.

Reference: Wu, H., Yang, W., Guo, T. et al. Trajectory of the body weight after drug discontinuation in the treatment of anti-obesity medications. BMC Med 23, 398 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-025-04200-0

These Chemicals May Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk by 31%: Study Finds

Exposure to a class of synthetic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” may significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in eBioMedicine.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are widely used in everyday consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, oil, and stains. These substances are found in items such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and stain-resistant fabrics. Because they do not break down easily, they accumulate in both the environment and the human body, raising concerns about their long-term health effects.

To examine the relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and diabetes, researchers conducted a nested case-control study within BioMe, a large, electronic health record-linked research database at Mount Sinai, encompassing more than 70,000 participants. The team analyzed blood samples from 180 individuals recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and compared them to 180 matched controls without diabetes, accounting for age, sex, and ancestry.

They found that each increase in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure range was associated with a 31% higher risk of developing T2D. Researchers also discovered potential metabolic disruptions, particularly in amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism pathways, which may help explain how PFAS contribute to impaired blood sugar regulation.

The findings underscore the importance of reducing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure to promote public health. “Findings can help us design more effective interventions for the early prevention of type 2 diabetes in the future, taking into account individuals’ exposures to environmental chemicals along with other well-known genetic, clinical, and lifestyle factors implicated in diabetes development. Mounting research suggests that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a risk factor for several chronic diseases, such as obesity, liver disease, and diabetes,” said Damaskini Valvi, MD, PhD, MPH, senior author of the study.

Reference: Exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in association to later occurrence of type 2 diabetes and metabolic pathway dysregulation in a multiethnic US population, Midya, Vishal et al. eBioMedicine, Volume 0, Issue 0, 105838

Study Reveals New Stem Cell Therapy for Women with Ovarian Failure

A regenerative treatment may restore fertility for women with ovarian failure, according to a new study published in Aging (Aging-US). The research suggests a novel approach combining stem cell mobilization and enriched plasma injections can stimulate egg production in women previously unresponsive to standard fertility therapies.

The study evaluated the Stem Cell Regenera protocol in 145 women aged 26 to 44 with poor ovarian response, diminished ovarian reserve, or premature ovarian insufficiency. These participants had failed to conceive using conventional treatments and were offered this therapy as a last resort.

The procedure involved two main steps: first, researchers used granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilize the body's own stem cells into peripheral blood. Then, they injected stem cell factor-enriched platelet-rich plasma (PRP) directly into the ovaries, aiming to activate dormant follicles and promote ovarian regeneration.

“The primary outcome measures were the rate of oocyte activation, leukocytes and stem cell count, and pregnancy rates.”

Nearly 70% of participants showed signs of oocyte activation through increased follicle development or hormonal changes. Following treatment, 7% of women conceived spontaneously and 14% achieved pregnancy via IVF results the researchers say are encouraging for a population with otherwise limited reproductive options.

Importantly, the study reported no severe adverse effects. Mild, transient symptoms like headaches and fatigue were the most common complaints. Since the therapy used autologous (self-derived) cells, the risk of immune rejection was minimal.

While the study is retrospective and observational, its findings highlight the potential of regenerative medicine to address complex infertility cases.

Reference: Santamaria A, Ballester A, Muñoz M. Enhancing oocyte activation in women with ovarian failure: clinical outcomes of the Stem Cell Regenera study using G-CSF mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells and intraovarian injection of stem cell factor-enriched platelet rich plasma in real-world-practice. Aging (Albany NY). 2025 Jun 27; 17:1571-1580. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206274