Discontinuation of use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs New research suggests it causes more weight regain than previously thought.
The study, published in The BMJ, found that stopping drug use was also associated with a reversal of improvements in metabolic health, including heart and cholesterol levels. blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of Oxford analyzed 37 studies published up to February 2025, involving more than 9,000 participants who underwent weight loss treatment for an average of 39 weeks.
Older Americans are discontinuing GLP-1 weight loss drugs for four main reasons
On average, patients regained about 0.9 pounds per month after discontinuing treatment. Researchers estimated weight and diabetes risk markers, heart disease It is expected that the level will return to pre-treatment levels within 2 years.
The analysis also revealed that people regained weight almost four times faster than after changing or stopping the diet. exercise therapyNo matter how many pounds you’ve lost.
Obesity experts reveal the best way to decide if GLP-1S is right for you
“While successful in achieving initial weight loss, these results suggest that these drugs alone may not be sufficient for long-term weight control,” the researchers said in a press release.
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The study authors acknowledged that only eight studies evaluated treatment with newer GLP-1 drugs with a follow-up period of up to 12 months after treatment. medicine was stopped. Although this may act as a limitation, three additional analytical methods yielded similar results.
In an editorial responding to the study, Dr. Chee Sun, an associate professor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, wrote that these findings “cast doubt” on the idea that GLP-1 is “the perfect treatment for obesity.”
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“The people who are taking GLP-1 receptor agonist “The high discontinuation rate and impact of medication discontinuation should be recognized. Healthy diet and lifestyle practices remain the cornerstone of obesity treatment and management, and drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists should be used adjunctively,” he said.
“Not only do these habits prevent excess weight gain, but they also lead to many health benefits beyond weight management.”
A recent report reveals that more older Americans are determined to: Stop taking GLP-1 For various reasons.
Additionally, a 2025 study published in JAMA looked at more than 125,000 overweight or obese people and found that nearly 47% of them had the following symptoms: type 2 diabetes Additionally, 65% of people without diabetes stopped taking their prescribed GLP-1 within a year of starting it.
Users and experts claim that the most common reasons why weight loss drugs are discontinued are cost, loss of muscle mass, dehydration, and side effects.
Side effects often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, headache, and fatigue. thin hairaccording to experts.
In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Sue Decotis, a New York City weight loss doctor, said older patients are especially susceptible to symptoms. Gastrointestinal side effects.
“Careful monitoring by a physician knowledgeable in the field of medical weight loss is essential,” she said.
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“Customized dosing regimens often help patients avoid undue side effects and burn more fat. This is the mechanism by which GLP drugs work long-term and systemically,” she continued. “For a given patient, high-quality compounded GLP-1 can achieve tailored dosing.”
“Many patients who stop taking GLP-1 drugs could have continued on them with proper individualized care.”
