A growing body of research shows that many people who stop taking popular weight-loss medications often regain much of the weight they initially lost — and do so faster than after traditional diet or exercise programmes.
These medications, including widely prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have transformed obesity and Type 2 diabetes care by reducing appetite and improving metabolic health. However, recent studies show a notable pattern: when people discontinue these drugs, the weight tends to come back quickly.
Research published in The BMJ and examined by health analysts found that adults who stop taking weight-loss medicine regain weight at an average rate of about 0.4 kg (nearly 1 lb) per month — with body weight returning to pre-treatment levels within about 1.5–1.7 years after cessation. This rebound is typically faster than the pace seen when people regain weight after ending diet- and exercise-based programmes.
The steep return of weight also coincides with a reversal of many cardiovascular and metabolic improvements gained during treatment, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Experts say this highlights a key challenge in treating obesity: that it is a chronic condition requiring long-term or continuous strategies rather than short-term fixes.
Clinicians stress that while GLP-1 medications are highly effective at producing weight loss, patients considering stopping them should do so with a plan that includes sustained lifestyle support and medical guidance. Long-term success often depends on combining medication, nutrition education, behaviour change, and ongoing care rather than relying on the drugs alone.
