Drugs alone not enough for long-term weight control: Study

By Admin

13 Jan, 2026

Introduction
Weight-loss medications have gained massive popularity worldwide, promising quick and effective results for people struggling with obesity. However, new international research suggests that while these drugs can help reduce weight initially, they may not be enough to ensure long-term weight control once treatment stops.

Key findings from the study
The analysis reviewed 37 international studies involving more than 9,000 participants who used weight-loss medications for at least two months. These included widely used drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists. The findings showed that most patients returned to their original weight in less than two years after stopping medication, regaining an average of 0.4 kilograms per month.

More concerningly, the study found that health benefits linked to weight loss did not last. Risk markers for diabetes and heart disease also returned to pre-treatment levels within two years of stopping the drugs. For GLP-1 medications specifically, follow-up data was available for up to 52 weeks after discontinuation, and projections showed a similar trend of rapid weight regain.

Weight regain happens faster than lifestyle changes
One of the most striking findings was that weight regain after stopping medication occurred almost four times faster than weight regain after stopping diet and physical activity changes alone. This was true regardless of how much weight a person had initially lost during treatment. According to researchers, this highlights a major limitation of relying solely on medication for weight management.

Why patients stop weight-loss medications
In response to the findings, Dr Trevor Steward, senior research fellow at the University of Melbourne, said the results align with what doctors commonly observe in real-world settings. Many patients discontinue weight-loss medications due to high costs, side effects, or the ongoing burden of injections.

He emphasized that medications should not be treated as a standalone cure. Instead, there is a need for clearer guidance on what happens after stopping treatment, including how to transition care and what types of lifestyle and psychological support can help maintain weight loss benefits.

Rising global use and policy implications
The study comes at a time when access to weight-loss medications is rapidly expanding. In the United States, one in eight people has used injectable GLP-1 drugs. In Australia, hundreds of thousands of people are using these medications through private prescriptions, often paying up to $5,000 per year.

With the Federal Government considering adding GLP-1 drugs for weight loss to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the findings carry important policy implications. Associate Professor Dominika Kwasnicka from the University of Melbourne noted that expanding access without structured long-term follow-up could lead to short-term benefits followed by weight regain and loss of health gains.

The need for long-term, comprehensive care
Experts agree that weight-loss medications can be valuable tools, but only when integrated into broader, long-term care models. These should include behavioural support, continuity of care, and realistic discussions about how long treatment should last. Without such planning, there is a real risk that patients will regain weight and lose the health improvements achieved during treatment.

Conclusion
The study reinforces a critical message: weight-loss drugs alone are not a long-term solution. Sustainable weight management requires a comprehensive approach that combines medication with lifestyle changes, psychological support, and ongoing medical guidance. As access to these drugs continues to grow, both patients and policymakers must focus on long-term strategies rather than short-term fixes.