An Oxford-led meta-analysis of 37 studies with over 9,000 participants shows GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) drive meaningful weight loss during treatment but most of it is regained after stopping, with the majority returning within about 1.5 to 1.7 years and cardiometabolic benefits fading in roughly the same window.

An accompanying editorial cautions these drugs are not a cure for obesity and emphasizes that healthy diet and lifestyle remain foundational, using medications as adjuncts.

Weight regain after stopping these medications occurred much faster than with behavioral weight-management programs, underscoring obesity as a chronic, relapsing condition that requires long-term management and wraparound support.

Practical access remains uneven: NHS eligibility is limited, prescriptions may be time-bound or require ongoing clinical justification, and private use is common in the UK.

Official voices stress that while the drugs are valuable tools, they must be paired with long-term lifestyle and behavioral support rather than viewed as a magic fix.

Experts warn that real-world long-term effects need more research and trial findings may not fully reflect everyday use.

Costs could fall in the future as patents expire and cheaper oral versions arise, but the transition will take years, prompting evaluation of NHS value and fair access.

Most users pay privately (roughly £120–£250 per month), yet more than half discontinue within a year due to cost, raising questions about long-term affordability and value.

Funding and conflicts of interest disclosures accompany the study authors, acknowledging ties to pharma and obesity groups but stating they do not alter conclusions.

Editorials highlight potential biases, extrapolation limits beyond follow-up, and the distinction between observed results and model projections.

Ongoing research into cost-effectiveness for the NHS and the broader question of structuring long-term support for patients using weight-management medications continues.