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BMJ Review Flags Rapid Weight Regain After GLP‑1 Stop as UK Approves Higher‑Dose Wegovy

Clinicians urge long‑term maintenance to protect weight and metabolic gains.

Overview

  • Oxford-led meta-analysis of 37 studies found people stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide regained about 0.4 kg a month, often returning to starting weight in roughly 18–20 months with blood pressure and cholesterol benefits fading by about 1.4 years.
  • MHRA cleared a 7.2 mg weekly Wegovy dose after trials showed average weight loss of 20.7%, with about one‑third of participants losing at least 25%, and the most common side effects were mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues.
  • Roughly half of users discontinue GLP‑1 drugs within a year due to side effects and high out‑of‑pocket costs, as insurers tighten coverage; cash‑pay options are expanding through drugmakers’ direct programs and the Trump administration’s new TrumpRx platform, and an oral Wegovy pill launched last week at a lower price point.
  • Nutrition researchers report rising deficiency diagnoses within a year of GLP‑1 use, prompting guidance to prioritize protein and nutrient‑dense diets, and UK retailers are rolling out smaller, higher‑nutrient ready meals as grocery volumes decline despite higher holiday spending.
  • Next‑generation multi‑agonists remain in trials, with Eli Lilly’s retatrutide showing roughly 29% average weight loss over 68 weeks but notable adverse events leading some participants to stop treatment.