BMC Med

Weight often rebounds after stopping anti-obesity medications

July 29, 2025

Study details. A systematic review and meta-analysis included randomized trials of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) with ≥4 weeks of treatment and ≥4 weeks of post-discontinuation follow-up. The analysis assessed weight change trajectories after stopping AOMs, using random-effects models and meta-regression.

Results. At 4 weeks after discontinuation, AOMs continued to show a modest weight loss effect compared with controls (weighted mean difference [WMD], −0.32 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.60 to 2.97; P = .85). However, by 8 weeks, significant weight regain emerged (WMD, 1.50 kg; 95% CI, 1.32–1.68; P <.0001), which progressively increased at 12 weeks (WMD, 1.76 kg) and 20 weeks (WMD, 2.50 kg). The rebound effect was most pronounced with GLP-1 RAs. Notably, studies with greater initial weight loss and those that maintained lifestyle interventions still showed substantial weight regain following medication cessation.

Clinical impact. The findings reinforce the chronic, relapsing nature of obesity and the need for ongoing pharmacotherapy to sustain weight loss. Shared decision-making regarding long-term therapy, dose reduction, or intermittent regimens is essential for durable weight management.

Source:

Wu H, et al. (2025, July 22). BMC Med. Trajectory of the body weight after drug discontinuation in the treatment of anti-obesity medications. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40691794/