Study shows weight often returns within two years after stopping GLP-1 drugs

A BMJ analysis of 9,341 overweight or obese patients across 37 trials found that weight lost on prescription weight‑loss drugs was projected to return to pre-treatment levels in about two years after stopping, and improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol were projected to revert in about 1.4 years.

Researchers pooled published trial data to estimate what happens after people stop prescription weight‑loss medications. The analysis, reported in the BMJ, drew on 9,341 overweight or obese patients from 37 studies testing 18 different drugs. Investigators looked at weight and common health risk factors while on treatment and after treatment ended. The report included newer GLP‑1 drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. Key findings: - The review included data from 9,341 patients across 37 trials of 18 weight‑loss drugs. - On average, patients regained about one pound after stopping treatment, with a projected return to pre-treatment weight in about two years. - Improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol seen during treatment were projected to return to prior levels within about 1.4 years. - About half the patients in the analysis had taken GLP‑1 drugs (semaglutide or tirzepatide); the regain rate reported for these drugs was about 1.8 pounds per month, though time to baseline weight was similar because initial weight loss was larger. Summary: The study indicates that weight loss and some associated health benefits achieved on prescription weight‑loss medications are likely to decline after treatment stops, with weight projected to return to baseline in about two years and cardiovascular risk markers in about 1.4 years. Undetermined at this time.