A landmark study has found that people who stop taking weight loss jabs regain all the weight originally lost in under two years, at a rate nearly four times faster than those on other weight loss plans. The research, led by academics at the University of Oxford and published in the BMJ, reviewed 37 studies involving 9,341 participants.
The analysis showed that on average, weight was regained at a rate of 0.4kg per month after stopping medication, with participants returning to their original weight within an average of 1.7 years. Those on weight loss drugs lost an average of 8.3kg during treatment but regained 4.8kg within the first year.
Dr Sam West of the University of Oxford said the rapid regain was not due to the medication itself but reflected the chronic nature of obesity. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to long-term weight management.
The study also found that benefits on cardio-metabolic health markers, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, returned to original levels within 1.4 years of stopping treatment. This is the first study to provide the rate of weight regain and estimated time frames for reversal.
Experts and health organisations stressed that weight loss drugs are not a quick fix and must be paired with behavioural and lifestyle support. An NHS spokesperson said the drugs are an important tool but must be combined with advice on healthier diets and physical activity.
