People who stop using the weight-loss drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) not only tend to regain lost weight but also lose key health improvements, according to new research.
The Surmount-4 clinical trial found that participants who stopped taking the drug commonly saw their blood pressure, “bad” cholesterol, blood sugar levels and waist circumference worsen again, particularly if they regained a large amount of weight. Among those who had lost at least 10% of their body weight and then stopped treatment, 82% regained at least a quarter of their lost weight within a year.
Experts say the findings are not surprising, as excess weight strongly affects blood pressure and metabolic health. Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow warned that stopping the drug may also remove potential heart-protective benefits seen in earlier studies.
The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, suggests long-term treatment or strong lifestyle support may be needed to maintain both weight loss and related health gains. Other experts noted that some people do not build healthier eating and exercise habits while using the drug, making weight regain more likely once treatment stops.
Related research has also suggested possible risks when stopping these drugs before or during pregnancy, though experts caution more trials are needed to confirm cause and effect.
