Weight regain happens 4x faster after stopping GLP-1 drugs, study finds

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Discontinuing using GLP-1 weight-loss medications triggers weight regain greater than beforehand thought, a brand new examine instructed.

The analysis, which was printed in The BMJ, discovered that stopping the medicine can also be related to a reversal of enhancements in coronary heart and metabolic well being, together with ldl cholesterol and blood pressure.

College of Oxford researchers analyzed 37 research printed as much as February 2025, involving greater than 9,000 members who had undergone a mean of 39 weeks of weight-loss remedy.

OLDER AMERICANS ARE QUITTING GLP-1 WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS FOR 4 KEY REASONS

On common, sufferers regained about 0.9 kilos monthly after stopping remedy. Researchers estimated that physique weight and threat markers for diabetes and heart disease would return to pre-treatment ranges in lower than two years.

woman looks at herself in mirror

On common, sufferers regained about 0.9 kilos monthly after stopping remedy. (iStock)

The evaluation additionally revealed that the burden got here again on almost 4 occasions sooner than after altering or quitting a food plan or exercise regimen, regardless of what number of kilos had been shed.

OBESITY EXPERT REVEALS THE BEST WAY TO DECIDE IF GLP-1S ARE RIGHT FOR YOU

“The proof means that regardless of their success in attaining preliminary weight reduction, these medicine alone is probably not ample for long-term weight management,” the researchers commented in a press launch.

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The examine authors acknowledged that solely eight research assessed remedy with newer GLP-1 medicine, at a most follow-up interval of 12 months after the medication was stopped. This might function a limitation, though three further strategies of study offered related outcomes.

Woman weighing herself

These findings query the effectiveness of GLP-1s for long-term weight reduction, the researchers famous. (iStock)

In an editorial responding to the examine, Dr. Qi Solar, affiliate professor of medication at Brigham and Girls’s Hospital and Harvard Medical College, wrote that these findings “forged doubt” on the concept that GLP-1s are a “excellent treatment for weight problems.”

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“Individuals taking GLP-1 receptor agonists ought to concentrate on the excessive discontinuation fee and the implications of cessation of medicines,” he stated. “Wholesome dietary and way of life practices ought to stay the muse for weight problems remedy and administration, with medicines similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists used as adjuncts.”

“Most of the sufferers who give up their GLP-1 medicine may have stayed on them with the proper personalised care.”

“Such practices not solely assist stop extra weight acquire, however can even result in quite a few well being advantages that transcend weight management.”

Why sufferers give up

Latest experiences have disclosed that extra older Individuals are deciding to quit their GLP-1s for a wide range of causes.

Moreover, a 2025 examine printed in JAMA — which included greater than 125,000 obese or overweight folks — discovered that just about 47% of these with type 2 diabetes and 65% of these with out diabetes stopped taking their prescribed GLP-1s inside a yr of beginning them.

person stands on scale holding GLP1 injection

Frequent GLP-1 unwanted effects embody nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, complications, fatigue and hair thinning, in line with consultants. (iStock)

Customers and consultants have claimed that value, muscle loss, dehydration and unwanted effects are the most typical causes weight-loss medicine are discontinued.

Unwanted effects typically embody nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, complications, fatigue and hair thinning, in line with consultants.

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In a earlier interview with Fox Information Digital, Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight-loss physician in New York Metropolis, famous that older sufferers are particularly extra delicate to gastrointestinal side effects.

“Cautious monitoring by a doctor who’s educated within the space of medical weight reduction is crucial,” she stated.

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“Typically, utilizing a personalized dosing plan helps the affected person keep away from undue unwanted effects and helps them burn extra fats, which is the mechanism by which GLP medicine work long-term and systemically,” she went on. “For sure sufferers, a high-quality compounded GLP-1 can obtain tailor-made dosing.”

“Most of the sufferers who give up their GLP-1 medicine may have stayed on them with the proper personalised care.”

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