Ways to keep weight off after stopping GLP-1 weight-loss meds
Official title: Strategies to prevent weight regain after GLP-1 agonist discontinuation
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11428011 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests simple strategies to help adults who have obesity keep weight off after stopping high-dose GLP-1 medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $835,245 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK148554-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11428011 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a history of obesity who have discontinued high-dose GLP-1 therapy.
✕Less likely to help
People who are currently on GLP-1 therapy or who have never used GLP-1 medications may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
If people with obesity stop taking high-dose GLP-1 medications, they often quickly regain weight. The study plans two parallel randomized trials to see if switching to a generic non-GLP-1 weight-management pill or gradually tapering the GLP-1 dose helps prevent weight regain for at least 6 months. Researchers will enroll adults with a history of obesity (with or without type 2 diabetes) who have discontinued GLP-1 therapy and follow them to compare outcomes, safety, and adherence. The goal is to identify practical, real-world strategies that patients can use with doctors to sustain weight loss after stopping GLP-1 treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the strategies could help people maintain weight loss and reduce obesity-related health risks after stopping GLP-1 therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data suggest weight regain after GLP-1 discontinuation is common, making this an important area to test practical strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wexler, Deborah J — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wexler, Deborah J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.