A broad analysis of international studies shows that stopping treatments with medications like Ozempic and Wegovy often leads to a significant portion of lost weight returning. For many users, the effect is temporary, especially when no lasting changes in diet and exercise are made.
The meta-analysis, published in BMC Medicine, examined data from eleven randomized clinical trials with patients using medication for weight loss. Although the degree of weight gain varied by medication, nearly all cases showed the same pattern: after stopping, the upward trend began quickly.
The 5 Key Takeaways
- Why the first weeks after stopping are crucial for maintaining results
- Which medication class shows the greatest risk of weight gain
- The role of lifestyle in limiting relapse
- How quickly weight typically returns on average
- What research says about long-term approaches after medication
FDA-Approved Obesity Medications
In the United States, six obesity medications have received FDA approval to help with weight loss. These include orlistat, phentermine-topiramate, and semaglutide. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), originally developed for treating diabetes, has also become a common prescription for weight management and effective weight loss. However, recent research shows that many patients regain weight in the months after stopping these medications.
Research shows that stopping commonly used weight loss medications often leads to rapid weight gain, which can begin within weeks and is influenced by the type of medication and lifestyle choices. Credit: Stock
How Does It Work in the Netherlands (2025)?
In the Netherlands, Saxenda (liraglutide) and Mysimba (naltrexone/bupropion) are only covered when used together with an officially recognized lifestyle program (GLI). Additionally, a person must have followed such a program for at least a year without sufficient results, and there must be a clear elevated health risk.
- Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is approved in the EU for obesity treatment, but in the Netherlands it is not yet covered. The Healthcare Institute advised in July 2024 not to include it in the basic package.
- Ozempic (semaglutide 0.5–1.0 mg) is covered, but only for type 2 diabetes, not for obesity.
- Orlistat (also available without prescription as Alli) is not covered.
Due to ongoing shortages, general practitioners are advised to be cautious about prescribing GLP-1 medications for weight loss outside official indications.
11 International Studies
Researchers Xiaoling Cai, Linong Ji, and their team reviewed the results of eleven international studies. These tracked weight changes after patients stopped using obesity medications. In total, the analysis included 1,574 people in treatment groups and 893 in control groups.
Weight changes were measured using both body weight and BMI measurements after medication was stopped. Of the included studies, six examined GLP-1 receptor agonists, one studied GLP-1 and dual GLP receptor agonists, one looked at orlistat, two focused on phentermine-topiramate, and one examined naltrexone-bupropion.
Pros and Cons
Benefits of Obesity Medication
- Can lead to significant weight loss within months
- Helps improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes
- Can help break through weight plateaus where lifestyle changes alone are insufficient
- Increases motivation for lasting lifestyle changes through visible results
Drawbacks of Obesity Medication
- Weight gain can return quickly after stopping the medication
- Common side effects such as nausea, stomach issues, or diarrhea
- Not available or covered for everyone, depending on country and health insurance
- Long-term use can be expensive without structural lifestyle changes
Patterns and Timing of Weight Gain
The researchers accounted for factors such as medication type, presence of diabetes, and whether lifestyle changes were made, such as adjustments in diet and exercise. The analysis showed that using obesity medications typically led to significant weight loss. After stopping, weight gain usually began after about eight weeks. That gain typically lasted twenty weeks on average before weight reached a stable level again. During that period, there were clear moments of additional weight gain around weeks eight, twelve, and twenty.
How much weight returned depended on multiple factors. The type of medication played a role, as did the extent to which participants continued to adjust their lifestyle. For example, participants who completed a 36-week treatment with tirzepatide—a commercial GLP-1 receptor agonist—regained nearly half of the previously lost weight after switching to a placebo.
Glossary
- GLP-1 receptor agonist: Medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone and reduces appetite.
- BMI: Body Mass Index, a measure of the relationship between weight and height.
- Tirzepatide: Newer combination of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist for diabetes and weight loss.
- Placebo: Fake medication without active ingredients, used in research to compare effects.
Limitations and Broader Trends in Weight Gain
The authors emphasize that the meta-analysis did not include studies on lifestyle programs or bariatric surgery. Therefore, these methods could not be directly compared with medication. However, it is known that procedures such as gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy can also result in weight gain over the long term. Understanding this broader pattern helps maintain realistic expectations and look toward an approach that structurally supports weight maintenance.
Verified Sources
- “Trajectory of the body weight after drug discontinuation in the treatment of anti-obesity medications” by Han Wu, Wenjia Yang, Tong Guo, Xiaoling Cai, and Linong Ji, July 22, 2025, BMC Medicine. DOI: 10.1186/s12916-025-04200-0
- With thanks to SciTechDaily
Gerelateerde artikelen
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the chances you’ll regain weight after stopping Ozempic or Wegovy?
Research shows that many people regain weight within eight weeks of stopping these medications. On average, weight gain lasts about twenty weeks before stabilizing.
Is semaglutide (Wegovy or Ozempic) covered in the Netherlands for weight loss?
In the Netherlands, Wegovy is not covered for obesity. Ozempic is only covered for type 2 diabetes. Other medications, such as Saxenda and Mysimba, may qualify for coverage under strict conditions.
How can you limit weight gain after stopping medication?
A combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavioral counseling increases the chances of maintaining weight after stopping medication.
Are there alternatives to obesity medications?
Yes. In addition to lifestyle programs and guidance through a GLI, bariatric surgery, such as gastric banding or gastric bypass, may be considered for severe obesity.
What are the most common side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists?
Commonly used GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, can cause side effects such as nausea, stomach issues, and diarrhea, especially in the first weeks of use.
