The news: People who stop using GLP-1 weight loss drugs regain weight rapidly and lose most of the health benefits they had gained in less than two years, according to Oxford University analysis of 37 clinical studies involving more than 9,300 participants published recently.

• After stopping medications like semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro), patients regained nearly 2 pounds per month—4X faster than those who regained weight after stopping traditional diet and exercise.
• The cardiovascular benefits of these drugs, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol, typically vanish within 16 to 19 months of the last dose.

Why it matters: US consumers are increasingly turning to GLP-1 medications for weight loss and health benefits. The study underscores the importance of long-term commitment.

• 18% of US adults have tried a GLP-1 drug to lose weight or treat diabetes or heart disease, and 12% currently use them, per KFF data in November.
• According to IQVIA analysis in November, just under one third (32%) of GLP-1 patients who filled a first prescription were still taking the medication 13 months later.

Implications for drugmakers and insurers: GLP-1 medications offer promise for the estimated 4 in 10 US adults with obesity, but short-term use delivers short-lived results.

For insurers, the new research raises questions about value. Covering drugs that can cost hundreds of dollars per patient every month only pays off if patients stay on therapy. Without sustained adherence, payers risk financing temporary weight loss followed by weight regain and the return of related chronic conditions.

For drugmakers, the findings highlight the need to position GLP-1s as long-term treatments for chronic disease versus fast weight loss solutions. Developing purposeful maintenance strategies for patients is an opportunity to attract patients looking for not only effective treatments, but also ones they can tolerate and sustain results over time.