A peer-reviewed study published in the Medical Journal in January 2026 investigated the effects of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, on weight management. The research analyzed 37 studies involving 9,300 participants and found that individuals who took these medications regained approximately 10 kg within 18 months after discontinuation. Notably, they regained weight at a rate four times faster than those who relied on behavioral practices like diet and exercise. Furthermore, key cardiometabolic health markers, including blood pressure and cholesterol, returned to pre-treatment levels about 17 months after stopping the drugs. Sam West, a physiology researcher at Oxford University, noted that patients typically lost around 33 pounds during treatment but regained about 22 pounds in the first year post-treatment. The study emphasizes the need for further research on long-term outcomes after ceasing GLP-1 drug use, as many people rely on these medications for weight management.