Weight Returns for Many After Stopping Anti-Obesity Drugs: Meta-Analysis - Video

Patients who take anti-obesity medications to aid in weight loss may experience significant weight regain after stopping the drugs, according to a new meta-analysis published in BMC Medicine. The study analyzed data from 11 randomized clinical trials and found that while weight loss was substantial during treatment, many participants began regaining weight as early as eight weeks after discontinuing the medication.

Obesity medications, including orlistat, phentermine-topiramate, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide, have become increasingly common tools in managing weight-related health conditions. Although they are often effective while in use, concerns have emerged about the sustainability of their effects once treatment stops.

To explore this, researchers conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of global studies involving 1,574 patients in treatment groups and 893 in control groups. Participants’ weight change was assessed through body weight and BMI at intervals following discontinuation. The 11 studies included six focused on GLP-1 receptor agonists, one on GLP-1 and GLP dual receptor agonists, two on phentermine-topiramate, one on orlistat, and one on naltrexone-bupropion.

The analysis revealed a consistent trend: patients began regaining weight around eight weeks after stopping the medication, with this increase continuing over a 20-week period before stabilizing. The extent of weight regains varied depending on the specific medication and the presence or absence of lifestyle interventions such as diet or exercise.

While the study did not include comparisons with surgical interventions or structured lifestyle programs, the findings highlight a broader challenge in long-term weight management. “Weight regain has been reported with other weight loss methods, such as gastric bypass and vertical banded gastroplasty,” the authors noted.

Reference: Wu, H., Yang, W., Guo, T. et al. Trajectory of the body weight after drug discontinuation in the treatment of anti-obesity medications. BMC Med 23, 398 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-025-04200-0