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Weight Regain After Liraglutide, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Interruption: A Narrative Review of Randomized Studies.

J Clin Med · 2025

Last updated 2026-05-28

A review of 13 studies found that people who stopped taking GLP-1 drugs like liraglutide, semaglutide, or tirzepatide regained weight quickly, regardless of how long they had been on the medication. This weight regain may reduce the health benefits gained from the initial weight loss.

AI summary of the abstract below.

JournalJ Clin Med, 2025
Citations23
Relative citation ratio9.12
Molecules semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide
Conditions studied Obesity

Abstract

The primary objective of this review is to analyze the effects on body weight of discontinuing therapy with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) or tirzepatide in patients treated for obesity. In recent months, there has been a considerable increase in the utilization of GLP-1 RAs and GIP/GLP-1 RAs. However, the paucity of available data regarding their medium- to long-term safety remains a salient concern. Of particular significance is the observation of the weight curve following their suspension, a subject that has received scant attention to date. : For this, a bibliographic search was carried out in three electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. The following filters were applied: A total of 427 references were identified, 178 articles were read in full, and 13 articles were included in the analysis. : The analysis showed a rapid regain of weight after cessation of therapy, regardless of the duration of the treatment with GLP-1 RA or GIP/GLP-1 RA. This rebound is likely to substantially mitigate the metabolic benefits attained through weight loss. Given the efficacy of these drugs, it is essential for future research to focus on elucidating the optimal duration of these treatments or identifying techniques or schemes that involve a reduction in dosages to prevent weight regain.

Verbatim abstract via PubMed 40507553 ↗

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