BMJ

Weight often rebounds after stopping weight‑loss meds

January 13, 2026

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 studies (9,341 adults) found that weight regain after stopping weight management medications (WMMs) averages 0.4 kg per month (95% confidence interval, 0.3–0.5), with all cardiometabolic markers returning to baseline within 1.4 years. Weight rebound was notably than after cessation of behavioral programs (by 0.3 kg monthly), regardless of initial weight loss.

Clinical takeaway: When prescribing or tapering weight-management drugs, clinicians should plan for ongoing lifestyle or pharmacologic support to sustain weight loss and metabolic gains.

Source:

West S, et al. (2026, January 7). BMJ. Weight regain after cessation of medication for weight management: systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41500720/