Weight regain after cessation of medication for weight management: systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To quantify and compare the rate of weight regain after cessation of weight management medications (WMMs) in adults with overweight or obesity.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Study selection

Trial registries and databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science, and trial registries) were searched from inception until February 2025 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised trials, and observational studies that included WMM (≥8 weeks) with follow-up for ≥4 weeks after cessation of treatment in adults with overweight or obesity. Comparators were any non-drug weight loss intervention or placebo.

Data extraction and synthesis

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta

SUBMITTER: West S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12776922 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature