Research

Adherence

Regaining weight after discontinuing GLP-1 receptor agonists is stigmatized to a similar degree as regaining weight after discontinuing diet and exercise, and both are stigmatized more than maintaining weight loss.

If you regain weight after stopping GLP-1s, you may face social judgment similar to that faced by those who regain weight after dieting. This stigma is not unique to medication users. Recognize that weight regain is a common outcome and does not reflect a lack of character. Focus on sustainable health practices rather than avoiding social judgment.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
In Study 2, the GLP-1 and diet/exercise targets were evaluated similarly, and both were rated more negatively than the target who maintained weight loss (ps ≤ 0.001).
Erin C. Standen et al. · International Journal of Obesity · 2026

Why this rating

Randomized controlled experiment with large sample size (N=706).

Source

An experimental investigation of the stigmatization of weight loss and regain from GLP-1 receptor agonist use and cessation

Erin C. Standen et al. · International Journal of Obesity · 2026

rct · n=1313
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