People who stop using the weight-loss injection Mounjaro (tirzepatide) tend to regain weight and lose key health improvements, according to new research.
A review of the Surmount-4 clinical trial found that after stopping the drug, most participants not only regained weight but also saw their blood pressure, “bad” cholesterol and blood sugar levels worsen. Among those who stopped the medication after losing at least 10% of their body weight, 82% regained at least a quarter of the weight they had lost within a year.
Researchers reported that participants who regained the most weight also experienced the biggest reversal in health markers, with some returning to their original, pre-treatment levels. Those who regained less weight still kept some health benefits.
Experts say this is expected, as weight loss is closely linked to improvements in heart and metabolic health. They stressed that long-term weight management likely requires continued lifestyle changes and, for some people, ongoing medication.
There are also concerns that some people rely on the drug without building healthier eating and exercise habits, making weight regain more likely once treatment stops.
Separate research suggested that women who stop taking these medications before or during early pregnancy may face higher risks of pregnancy complications, although experts cautioned that more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of long-term strategies to maintain weight loss and preserve health benefits.
