People who stop taking fat jabs are likely to regain weight and have higher blood pressure and cholesterol, new research has found.
Weight regain is about one pound a month on average after stopping drug-related treatment, scientists suggest.
Meanwhile, weight and risk markers for diabetes and heart disease are also likely to return to pre-treatment levels in less than two years.
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A team discovered the rate of weight regain after stopping weight loss drugs was almost four times faster than after diet and physical activity changes, irrespective of the amount of weight lost during treatment.
The development of effective weight management medications – such as the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, semaglutide and tirzepatide – has transformed the treatment of obesity.
Yet it is estimated that around half of people with obesity come off GLP-1 drugs within 12 months, so it’s important to understand what happens to body weight and risk markers for conditions like diabetes and heart disease in the aftermath.
University of Oxford scientists searched registries and databases for trials and observational studies comparing the effects of any medication licensed for weight loss in adults with any non-drug weight loss regime, or placebo.
Thirty-seven studies – published up to February 2025 and involving 9,341 participants – were included in the analysis.
The average duration of weight loss treatment was 39 weeks, with an average follow-up of 32 weeks.
Participants treated with weight loss drugs regained on average 0.4 kg/month (0.9lbs) after stopping treatment and were projected to return to their pre-treatment weight by 1.7 years.
All cardiometabolic risk markers were projected to return to pre-treatment levels within 1.4 years after stopping the drugs, as reported by Need To Know.
Monthly weight regain was also faster after drug consumption than after behavioural weight management programmes, independent of initial weight loss.
The report, published in the BMJ, stated: “This evidence suggests that despite their success in achieving initial weight loss, these drugs alone may not be sufficient for long-term weight control.
“It cautions against short-term use of weight management medications, emphasises the need for further research into cost-effective strategies for long-term weight control, and reinforces the importance of primary prevention.”
“The study findings cast doubt on the notion that GLP-1 receptor agonists 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.
“Healthy dietary and lifestyle practises should remain the foundation for obesity treatment and management, with medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists used as adjuncts.
“Such practises not only help prevent excess weight gain but can also lead to numerous health benefits that go beyond weight control.”
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