Weight regain after cessation of medication for weight management: systematic review and meta-analysis
Pooled result · Monthly rate of weight regain after WMM cessationResult — go to the resultMixed model difference 0.3 kg monthly CI 0.2–0.4Authors' conclusion
This review found that cessation of WMM is followed by rapid weight regain and reversal of beneficial effects on cardiometabolic markers. Regain after WMM was faster than after BWMP. These findings suggest caution in short term use of these drugs without a more comprehensive approach to weight management.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with overweight or obesity
- Participants
- 9,341 adults37 studies
- Comparison
- Cessation of WMM vs non-drug weight loss intervention or placebo
- Outcome
- Rate of weight regain from end of treatment
Methodological detailsRandomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised trials and observational studies, mixed effect, meta-regression and time-to-event models, Average treatment duration 39 (range 11-176) weeks; average follow-up 32 (4-104) weeks
- RCTs, non-randomised trials and observational studies
- Mixed effect, meta-regression and time-to-event models
- Average treatment duration 39 (range 11-176) weeks; average follow-up 32 (4-104) weeks
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Monthly rate of weight regain after WMM cessation
Mixed model difference
0.3 kg monthly
CI 0.2–0.4
WMMvs Control
mixed model difference 0.3 kg monthly (CI 0.2–0.4)
- Average monthly rate of weight regain
- 0.4 kg (95% CI 0.3 to 0.5)
Further pooled results
| Outcome | Difference (kg monthly) (CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight regain after WMMvs after BWMPFaster with WMM; independent of initial weight loss | 0.3 (0.22–0.34) | |
| −0.200.20.4Difference, kg monthly (linear scale) |
Cardiometabolic markers
- All cardiometabolic markers projected to return to baseline after WMM cessation
- within 1.4 years
Original publication
Weight regain after cessation of medication for weight management: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. Published 7 January 2026. doi:10.
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