Discontinuing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and body habitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the sustainability of weight loss in patients who discontinued Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). A comprehensive search across multiple databases identified 497 articles, ultimately retaining 8 randomized controlled trials involving 2372 participants with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m². Results indicated that after cessation of GLP-1RA therapy, participants experienced significant weight regain proportional to their initial weight loss. Specifically, those treated with liraglutide regained an average of 2.20 kg (95% CI 1.69 to 2.70, P < 0.00001), while participants on semaglutide or tirzepatide regained an average of 9.69 kg (95% CI 5.78 to 13.60, P < 0.00001). This study underscores the necessity of considering GLP-1RA treatment as a chronic therapy to mitigate weight regain and its associated health risks after discontinuation. [NPID: GLP-1RAs, glucagon, weight-loss, obesity]

Year: 2025

Reference: Berg, S., Stickle, H., Rose, S. J., & Nemec, E. C. (2025). Discontinuing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and body habitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 26(8), e13929. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13929

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