Compare Providers
Home › News › Evidence

Two-thirds of lost weight returned within a year of stopping, and that reframes every price comparison

Released: ·Last reviewed: ·Methodology v4.1

Researched By
Medical Researcher · Western University of Health Sciences
Last medically reviewed: August 3, 2026 · This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice.
This page is maintained. Prices are re-read at source and dated; evidence is checked against the published trial. Newest across the site: news · research · corrections.

The STEP-1 extension and SURMOUNT-4 both report regain on withdrawal. If treatment is ongoing, annual maintenance cost is the figure that matters.

The STEP-1 extension reported roughly two-thirds of the lost weight returned within a year of stopping. SURMOUNT-4 randomised participants to withdrawal or continuation and reported regain on placebo against continued loss on treatment.

The commercial consequence is the part most coverage skips. If treatment is ongoing, the number that decides a purchase is the annual cost at a maintenance dose, not an introductory month — and those are frequently different providers.

Full withdrawal data: what happens when you stop.

Filed by the Transparent Peptide research desk. Corrections: the corrections log.