Discontinuing GLP-1 Medications Linked to Weight Regain

Researchers from Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences have found that stopping GLP-1 medications may lead users to regain all of their lost weight within 18 months.

A recent study, featured in The BMJ, reviewed data from 37 studies comprising 9,341 adults. The findings indicate that individuals often revert to their initial weight between 18 and 24 months after discontinuing the medication. Interestingly, the rate of weight regain was quicker than that observed in those who concluded behavioral weight loss programs involving diet and exercise.

Furthermore, cardiometabolic markers—such as blood pressure and cholesterol—returned to their previous levels roughly 16 months after the cessation of GLP-1 treatment.

The results imply that those looking to sustain their weight loss may need to keep taking the medication long-term.

“This isn’t a failure of the medications; it reflects obesity as a chronic, relapsing condition,” Dr. Sam West, a researcher at the University of Oxford, explained. “It highlights a cautionary note for short-term use without a broader weight management strategy.”

This research emerges amidst discussions among insurers and government health services about whether to cover GLP-1 drugs intended for weight loss. Initially developed for diabetes treatment, these medications have since gained approval for obesity management.

Beyond assisting diabetes patients in controlling symptoms, drug manufacturers assert that GLP-1 medications enhance cardiometabolic markers in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals dealing with obesity.

Nonetheless, the high cost of these drugs—often exceeding $1,000 monthly—poses a challenge.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these medications help regulate blood sugar by prompting insulin release from the pancreas and slowing digestion, which in turn reduces glucose levels in the bloodstream. They also contribute to a feeling of fullness post-meal.

Susan Jebb, a professor of diet and population health at Oxford, emphasized the importance of a holistic and long-term strategy in managing weight. “Obesity is a chronic, relapsing issue, not something with a quick-fix solution,” Jebb remarked. “When people lose weight through dietary and activity changes, they develop the skills necessary to maintain that loss. In contrast, medication may lead to weight loss without those important behavioral changes.”