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Study Reveals Rapid Weight Regain After Stopping GLP-1 Medications
Discontinuing GLP-1 weight-loss medications leads to faster weight regain than previously understood, according to a new study published in The BMJ. The research also found that stopping these drugs reverses improvements in heart and metabolic health, including cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Researchers from the University of Oxford analyzed 37 studies published up to February 2025, involving more than 9,000 participants who underwent an average of 39 weeks of weight-loss treatment. Their findings show that patients regained approximately 0.9 pounds per month after stopping treatment.
Based on this rate, researchers estimated that body weight and risk markers for diabetes and heart disease would return to pre-treatment levels in less than two years. More concerning, the analysis revealed that weight returned nearly four times faster than after discontinuing diet or exercise regimens, regardless of how much weight had initially been lost.
“The evidence suggests that despite their success in achieving initial weight loss, these drugs alone may not be sufficient for long-term weight control,” the researchers stated in a press release.
The study authors acknowledged certain limitations, noting that only eight studies assessed treatment with newer GLP-1 drugs, with a maximum follow-up period of 12 months after medication cessation. However, three additional methods of analysis provided similar results, strengthening the overall findings.
Dr. Qi Sun, associate professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, responded to the study with an editorial stating these findings “cast doubt” on the notion that GLP-1s are a “perfect cure for obesity.”
“People taking GLP-1 receptor agonists should be aware of the high discontinuation rate and the consequences of cessation of medications,” Dr. Sun emphasized. “Healthy dietary and lifestyle practices should remain the foundation for obesity treatment and management, with medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists used as adjuncts.”
The market for GLP-1 medications has exploded in recent years, with pharmaceutical giants like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly seeing tremendous growth in their weight management product lines. Drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro have become household names, with global sales projected to reach $150 billion by 2030, according to industry analysts.
Recent reports indicate a growing trend of patients discontinuing GLP-1 medications. A 2025 JAMA study including more than 125,000 overweight or obese people found that nearly 47% of those with type 2 diabetes and 65% of those without diabetes stopped taking their prescribed GLP-1s within a year of starting them.
Users and medical experts cite multiple reasons for discontinuation, including cost, muscle loss, dehydration, and side effects. Common adverse reactions include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating, as well as headaches, fatigue, and hair thinning.
Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight-loss specialist in New York City, noted that older patients are particularly sensitive to gastrointestinal side effects. “Careful monitoring by a physician who is knowledgeable in the area of medical weight loss is imperative,” she explained.
“Often, using a customized dosing plan helps the patient avoid undue side effects and helps them burn more fat, which is the mechanism by which GLP drugs work long-term and systemically,” Dr. Decotiis added. “For certain patients, a high-quality compounded GLP-1 can achieve tailored dosing.”
These findings have significant implications for obesity treatment approaches. Healthcare providers and patients increasingly recognize that GLP-1 medications may require indefinite use to maintain weight loss and associated health benefits, raising questions about long-term affordability, access, and safety.
As obesity rates continue climbing globally, the medical community faces the challenge of developing comprehensive treatment strategies that combine pharmacological approaches with sustainable lifestyle modifications to achieve lasting weight management success.
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12 Comments
This underscores the importance of developing more durable weight loss solutions. Medications may provide an initial boost, but the body seems to quickly revert without accompanying lifestyle modifications.
Absolutely, the research suggests these drugs are not a silver bullet for long-term weight control on their own.
The research showing weight returning nearly 4 times faster after stopping these medications, compared to diet/exercise alone, is quite concerning. It points to the need for more effective, long-lasting solutions to the obesity epidemic.
Agreed, the findings underscore the complex, multifaceted nature of obesity and the challenges in developing treatments that can produce durable results.
This is an important study that highlights the limitations of current obesity medications. While they may provide initial benefits, the findings suggest they are not sufficient on their own for sustainable weight management.
Interesting findings on the challenges of maintaining weight loss after stopping obesity medications. The rapid regain highlights the need for comprehensive, long-term approaches to weight management, not just relying on medications alone.
Agreed, a holistic approach combining lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, and potentially medication seems crucial for sustainable weight loss.
The rapid weight regain after stopping these medications is quite alarming. It underscores the need for more durable solutions that don’t just rely on pharmacological interventions. Lifestyle factors appear to play a pivotal role.
Absolutely, a comprehensive treatment plan incorporating behavioral modifications, nutrition, and exercise seems essential for maintaining weight loss long-term.
The findings that weight regained nearly 4 times faster than after stopping diet/exercise alone is quite concerning. Clearly more research is needed to address the underlying metabolic factors at play.
Yes, the physiological mechanisms behind this rapid rebound effect merit further investigation. Optimizing long-term weight management remains a major challenge.
This is an important study highlighting the limitations of current obesity medications. While they may provide short-term benefits, the long-term sustainability is clearly lacking. A holistic, personalized approach seems critical.