Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic fail long-term without ongoing treatment
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have shown impressive results in tackling obesity. But new research highlights their limitations as a long-term solution. Without continuous treatment, most patients regain weight—and often faster than with diet and exercise alone. Obesity is a chronic condition that often returns after treatment stops. Studies reveal that people who quit weight-loss medications regain body mass four times quicker than those who lose weight through lifestyle changes. The latest drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, lead to the most significant weight loss but also the fastest rebound once discontinued. In the UK, access to these medications is restricted. Most patients pay privately, while those using the NHS face a two-year limit on GLP-1 drugs. Even when successful, around half of users stop within a year due to side effects, high costs, or frustration with results. Experts now stress that drugs alone are not enough. Lifestyle changes and behavioural support remain crucial for lasting weight control. Additional health benefits, such as better cholesterol and blood pressure, also disappear when treatment ends. Cost-effectiveness models for these drugs originally assumed weight regain after two years, but recent data shows it often happens sooner—around 1.5 years. The findings underline the need for ongoing obesity management. Without sustained treatment, weight returns quickly, reversing health improvements. For long-term success, a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and support appears essential.
