What the trials found
| Trial | What happened |
|---|---|
| SURMOUNT-4 (tirzepatide) | After 36 weeks on tirzepatide (average loss 20.9%), people switched to placebo regained about 14% of body weight over the next year. Those who continued lost a further 5.5%. |
| STEP 1 extension (semaglutide) | One year after stopping semaglutide 2.4 mg, participants had regained about two-thirds of the weight they had lost. |
In SURMOUNT-4, improvements in markers like blood pressure and cholesterol also partly reversed after stopping.
Why it happens
GLP-1s reduce appetite while you take them. When they stop, appetite tends to return to previous levels, and the body's own weight-regulation systems push toward regain.
Talking to a clinician
Stopping, pausing or lowering a dose is a decision to make with your prescriber. Things people often discuss include cost, side effects, maintenance dosing and the role of diet, physical activity and strength training.
See eating on a GLP-1 and GLP-1 costs in 2026.
Sources
- TCTMD: Stopping tirzepatide leads to rebound (SURMOUNT-4)
- Wilding et al. 2022, STEP 1 extension (Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism)
GLP1Rated is for general information only and is not medical advice. GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs with real risks and side effects. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping or changing any medication or supplement.