Weight Regain Seen After Stopping GLP-1 Medications

Study finds 60% of weight lost with Ozempic and Wegovy is regained within a year

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new study published in eClinicalMedicine has found that people who stop taking GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic and Wegovy regain about 60% of the weight they lost within one year. However, the weight regain is not unlimited, plateauing at around 75.3% of the initial weight loss. The research also highlights concerns about the composition of the regained weight, noting that if it is disproportionately fat rather than lean muscle mass, it could have adverse health consequences.

Why it matters

GLP-1 medications have offered hope to millions struggling with obesity and overweight, but this study underscores the challenges of long-term weight management. Understanding the patterns and timeline of weight regain is crucial for developing effective strategies to help people maintain the benefits of these medications.

The details

The study, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, reviewed 48 previous studies on weight regain after stopping GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment. They found that on average, about 60% of the lost weight is regained within one year of stopping the medication. However, the weight regain is not unlimited, and is projected to plateau at around 75.3% of the initial weight loss. The researchers also highlight the importance of the composition of the regained weight, noting that if it is disproportionately fat rather than lean muscle mass, it could lead to metabolic disadvantages and increased health risks.

  • The study was published on March 4, 2026.

The players

Brajan Budini

A researcher at the University of Cambridge who led the study.

University of Cambridge

The institution where the lead researcher is based and the study was conducted.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If the regained weight is disproportionately fat, individuals may ultimately be worse off than before in their fat-to-lean mass ratio, which may have adverse consequences for their health.”

— Brajan Budini, Researcher

What’s next

Future research should focus on identifying strategies to preserve lean muscle mass during and after GLP-1 RA treatment, such as incorporating resistance training or exploring combination therapies that support muscle protein synthesis.

The takeaway

These findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to weight management that extends beyond medication. Simply stopping GLP-1 medications without a comprehensive plan for lifestyle modification is likely to result in significant weight regain, highlighting the importance of long-term strategies for maintaining the benefits of these treatments.