By Lew Kizer — 2026-10-07 — Health & Nutrition
The short answer
A pilot randomized trial published October 7, 2026 in Obesity Science & Practice followed 39 adults for four months after they stopped GLP-1 medication. People in usual care regained an estimated 10.75% of body weight. People given home-delivered medically tailored meals regained about 3.58%, and people using a digital wellness app regained about 3.60%. It is a small, preliminary study, but it suggests structure in the first months off the medication matters.
Key facts
- Published October 7, 2026 in Obesity Science & Practice (DOI 10.1002/osp4.70194).
- Led by Kelseanna Hollis-Hansen, PhD, MPH, of the Tufts University Food is Medicine Institute.
- 39 adults were randomized when they stopped GLP-1 therapy: usual care, a wellness app, or medically tailored meals.
- Estimated four-month weight regain: 10.75% usual care, 3.60% app, 3.58% meals.
- Meal participants chose 10 dietitian-developed meals per week from a menu of about 70, delivered home.
- It is a pilot study; survey measures such as diet quality showed no significant differences between groups.
KINGSPORT, Tenn., Oct. 7, 2026 — Millions of people will stop a GLP-1 medication at some point because of cost, insurance changes, side effects or reaching a goal. A pilot trial published today in Obesity Science & Practice asks the practical question that follows: what helps in the months right after?
This article reports research and is not medical advice. Do not stop or change a medication without talking to your prescriber.
What the researchers did
A team led by Kelseanna Hollis-Hansen, PhD, MPH, of the Tufts University Food is Medicine Institute randomized 39 adults who had lost weight on a GLP-1 at the point they discontinued the medication. One group received usual care. One used a digital wellness app for self-monitoring diet and activity. One received medically tailored meals: participants picked 10 dietitian-developed meals a week from a list of about 70, delivered to their homes.
What they found
Over four months, estimated weight regain was 10.75% of body weight in usual care, 3.60% with the app and 3.58% with delivered meals. Surveys of diet quality, perceived health and satisfaction did not differ significantly between groups. "We need evidence-based strategies to support them if and when they discontinue GLP-1 medication," Hollis-Hansen said.
Outside experts urged caution. Dr. Caroline Apovian of Brigham and Women's Hospital told Newsweek that preventing regain after GLP-1 therapy is "very difficult if not nearly impossible" long-term, and that structured programs are likely a short-term help. She pointed to resistance training to build muscle.
Why the first months matter
The study's authors suggest the most intensive support may be needed in the first year after stopping, when the risk of regain is greatest. That lines up with what people describe: appetite returns before new habits are in place. Practical structure — food that is already portioned, protein in every meal, and fewer nightly decisions — is the kind of support both study arms provided in different ways.
For more, read our GLP-1 maintenance meals guide, our guide to keeping weight off after a GLP-1 and the free 7-day GLP-1 meal plan.
Commentary, not medical advice
The SmashMeals perspective
We are a prepared-meal kitchen, not a medically tailored meal program, and we will not pretend this study tested our food. What it does test is the idea we see every week at the counter: the hardest part of coming off a GLP-1 is that appetite comes back while the routine that worked on the medication disappears. Having real, portioned, protein-forward food already in the fridge removes one decision at the moment people are most likely to slide. Talk with your prescriber before stopping any medication.
Frequently asked questions
How much weight do people regain after stopping a GLP-1?
It varies widely. A review cited alongside this study found people regained roughly a pound a month on average after stopping, often returning toward their starting weight within about two years. In this pilot trial, usual-care participants regained an estimated 10.75% of body weight in four months.
Did meal delivery stop weight regain completely?
No. Participants receiving medically tailored meals still regained an estimated 3.58% of body weight over four months, about a third as much as usual care. The study was small and preliminary.
Are SmashMeals medically tailored meals?
No. Medically tailored meals are designed for a specific person's medical condition by a registered dietitian, usually through a healthcare referral. SmashMeals offers prepared, portioned, gluten-free meals with posted nutrition information that can fit a plan from your own care team.
Should I stop my GLP-1 medication?
That decision belongs to you and your prescriber. This study is about supporting people after they stop, not about whether to stop.
Sources & experts referenced
Sources are included for verification. No expert listed here endorses SmashMeals.
- Preventing Weight Regain After Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Therapy Discontinuation: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial — Obesity Science & Practice
Why it matters: The primary peer-reviewed paper. - Scientists May Have Found How to Limit Weight Regain After Stopping GLP-1s — Newsweek
Why it matters: Reports meal-program details and independent expert comment from Dr. Caroline Apovian. - Structured support may slow weight regain after stopping GLP-1 drugs — News-Medical
Why it matters: Summary of the study design and results.