Oxford study finds faster weight regain after stopping obesity jabs

A University of Oxford study found people using weight-loss injections such as semaglutide and tirzepatide regain weight faster than traditional dieters, the Independent.co reported. The analysis, published in the British Medical Journal, pooled 37 studies of more than 9,000 people with an average treatment time of 10 months and an average follow-up of eight months.

People on any weight-loss medication lost an average of 8.3kg during treatment but regained 4.8kg within the first year and returned to their original weight within 1.7 years of stopping. Those on semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) lost just under 15kg and were projected to regain 10kg within the first year and to return to their starting weight within about 1.5 years; researchers also reported all cardiometabolic markers returned to baseline about 1.4 years after stopping medication.

Around 1.5 million people in the UK are currently using weight-loss jabs. Wegovy can be prescribed on the NHS for up to two years while there is no NHS time limit for Mounjaro, and studies suggest about half of people stop the drugs because of private cost, side effects or because they have reached their weight-loss goal.

Key Topics

Health, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Wegovy, Mounjaro