Cyprus Times

Weight Regain After Stopping Weight Loss Drugs: New Research Reveals Rapid Reversal

Published January 10, 2026, 10:05
Weight Regain After Stopping Weight Loss Drugs: New Research Reveals Rapid Reversal

New research indicates that people tend to regain weight quickly after discontinuing weight loss medications, faster than after stopping diet and exercise programs. Across 37 studies involving 9,341 adults, an average weight gain of 0.4 kg per month was observed after medication cessation, predicting a return to initial weight within 1.5-2 years. For newer drugs like semaglutide, the regain was faster, around 0.8 kg per month, with a return to the starting point in approximately 1.5 years. Cardiometabolic markers also reverted to baseline levels around 1.4 years after stopping the drugs. Researchers emphasize that this isn't a failure of the medications, but reflects the chronic, relapsing nature of obesity, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to weight management.