Many GLP-1 Users Regain Weight Within Two Years After Stopping Medication, Study Finds

Many people who stop using popular GLP-1 weight loss medications regain weight within two years, according to a new review of existing research from the University of Oxford.

The analysis, published in The BMJ, examined 37 studies involving more than 9,300 adults who used GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Researchers found that weight regain after stopping these drugs occurred faster than in people who lost weight through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise alone.

On average, individuals regained about 0.3 kilograms, or roughly 0.7 pounds, per month after discontinuing the medication. Researchers say this pattern reflects the chronic and relapsing nature of obesity rather than a failure of the drugs themselves.

GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. They slow digestion, increase feelings of fullness, and reduce hunger, making them highly effective for weight loss while in use.

Experts not involved in the study note that once the medication is stopped, appetite regulation can rebound, increasing the likelihood of overeating, especially if patients relied solely on the medication without making lasting behavioral changes.

Some researchers caution that long-term conclusions are based partly on projections, since most real-world data only follows patients for about a year after stopping treatment. Still, health experts agree the findings underscore the importance of long-term planning for weight management.

The review also highlights concerns about muscle loss during GLP-1–related weight reduction, reinforcing recommendations for strength training and ongoing nutritional support, particularly for older adults.

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