Lost it on Wegovy? You might gain it all back in a year

While the use of drugs for weight loss continues to fuel debates, one latest finding has added more concerns to their long term use.

As per a study presented at the European Congress on Obesity, those on weight loss drugs regain all the weight they have lost within a year after they stop taking the medication.

"Analysis of 11 studies of older and newer GLP-1 weight loss drugs by the University of Oxford found that patients typically lost 8kg on weight loss jabs but returned to their original weight within 10 months of stopping them," The Guardian reported.

"While those taking semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) lost double the amount of weight compared with people using older jabs – 16kg on average – patients put on 9.6kg within a year, meaning they could expect to regain all 16kg again in just over 20 months," the report added.

“These drugs are very effective at helping you lose weight, but when you stop them, weight regain is much faster than [after stopping] diets,” Susan Jebb, the co-author of the study and professor of diet and population health at University of Oxford told the media.

While the study didn’t establish a cause-and-effect relationship, the researchers say that the difference in how quickly people regain weight might stem from the nature of dieting itself. Losing weight through diet requires ongoing self-control and effort, whereas taking a drug that significantly suppresses hunger removes much of that struggle.

Weight loss drugs are everywhere—But here’s why lifestyle still wins

“It shouldn’t surprise anyone if people regain weight having used GLP-1 drugs without seriously attempting to improve their lifestyle … Using GLP-1 is not the quick fix which many users believe it to be," Tam Fry, the chair of the National Obesity Forum told the media.

Weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are the new buzz in town. Celebs are flaunting their transformations, social media’s obsessed, and suddenly everyone’s talking about “miracle” injections that melt the pounds away. Sounds like a dream, right?

But here’s the catch: quick fixes don’t always last.

Yes, these drugs do work. They help regulate appetite, reduce cravings, and kickstart weight loss—especially for those struggling with obesity or related health issues. For many, they’re a genuine game-changer. But the truth no one’s hyping up? Most people gain the weight back once they stop taking the meds.

That’s because weight loss isn’t just about appetite. It’s about long-term habits, mental health, sleep, stress, hormones, and, of course, what’s on your plate and how often you move.

Here’s the thing: no drug can teach you how to meal prep, drink more water, or stay consistent with your workouts. No shot replaces a good night’s sleep, stress management, or a solid support system. These are the boring basics—but they’re what really keep the weight off in the long run.

Plus, let’s not forget the side effects. Nausea, fatigue, digestive issues—weight loss meds aren’t all sunshine. And they’re expensive too. Not everyone can afford to be on them forever, and when people stop, many find themselves back at square one.

So what’s the real solution? Start where it matters—your lifestyle. Build sustainable habits. Focus on why you eat, not just what you eat. Get moving in a way that feels good, not punishing. And most importantly, be patient with yourself. Real, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight.

Weight loss drugs can be a helpful tool, especially for those with medical conditions, but they’re not a magic solution. Think of them as a push, not a plan.

So sure, ride the trend if it’s right for you—but don’t ditch the fundamentals. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about losing weight—it’s about gaining a healthier life.