Weight Regain After Stopping Slimming Jabs Found To Be Rapid

A recent analysis of weight-loss medications has highlighted the pace at which weight and health markers return after treatment ends. The findings are based on a review of multiple studies involving overweight and obese individuals who had used these medications.

The University of Oxford led a meta-analysis that examined 37 studies, including data from 9,341 participants. The research compared outcomes for individuals using both older and newer GLP-1 medications with those following behavioral programs such as diet and exercise.

According to the analysis, participants who stopped taking weight-loss medications regained weight at an average rate of approximately 0.4 kilograms per month. This rate of weight regain was found to be nearly four times faster than that experienced by individuals who completed behavioral weight-management programs.

The study also reported that the health benefits gained during medication use, such as improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol, diminished within about 1.4 years after discontinuing the drugs. These findings suggest that the positive effects on cardiometabolic markers are not maintained long term without continued treatment.

What the numbers show

• Participants lost an average of 8.3 kg during treatment
• About 4.8 kg was regained within the first year after stopping medication
• The study projected a return to original weight in roughly 1.7 years after stopping

The analysis included both established and newer GLP-1 medications, providing a broad view of how different drug classes compare to non-pharmacological approaches. Outcomes from behavioral programs such as diet and exercise were used as a benchmark for comparison.

The researchers stated that obesity should be considered a chronic and relapsing condition. They emphasized that medication alone may not be sufficient for maintaining weight loss over the long term without additional behavioral support.

Participants in the studies experienced a substantial reduction in weight during active treatment, but a significant portion of that weight was regained after stopping the medication. The findings suggest that ongoing management strategies may be necessary to sustain health improvements achieved with weight-loss drugs.

Overall, the research indicates that while weight-loss medications can be effective during use, their benefits tend to diminish once treatment ends. The study underscores the importance of integrating behavioral support to help maintain weight loss and related health gains.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.