Skip to content

Contrave

Contrave results: what the trials found

Average weight loss over 56 weeks, with and without a coaching programme

Last reviewed: September 2026

In the COR-I trial, 1,742 adults taking Contrave at the full 32/360 mg dose lost an average of 6.1% of their starting body weight over 56 weeks, compared with 1.3% on placebo. About 48% lost at least 5% of their weight, against 16% on placebo. In COR-BMOD, where the same drug was paired with intensive behaviour therapy, average loss was 9.3% versus 5.1% for the therapy alone. A 6.1% average is roughly 12 lbs at a 200 lb starting weight; 9.3% is roughly 19 lbs.

What the trials measured

Two published trials sit behind the figures used on this site. One tested the drug on its own; the other tested it alongside structured lifestyle coaching.

COR-I
The Lancet, 2010
Who took part:
1,742 adults with obesity, or overweight with weight-related conditions
How long:
56 weeks
Compared with:
Placebo
Average weight loss:
6.1% at the full 32/360 mg dose (placebo 1.3%)
Lost at least 5%:
48% of participants (placebo 16%)
COR-BMOD — drug plus intensive behaviour therapy
Obesity, 2011
Who took part:
Adults with obesity taking the drug alongside intensive behavioural modification
How long:
56 weeks
Compared with:
Placebo plus the same intensive behaviour therapy
Average weight loss:
9.3% with the drug, 5.1% with therapy alone
What it shows:
Combining the medication with structured lifestyle change added to the result

What the averages look like in pounds

Averages from trial data. Individual results vary, but these give you a realistic picture of what to expect.

Weight loss milestones by percentage of starting body weight and by pounds lost, for two reference starting weights
Time% of body weight200 lb person250 lb person
56 weeks (COR-I)6.1% average~12 lbs~15 lbs
56 weeks with behaviour therapy (COR-BMOD)9.3% average~19 lbs~23 lbs
Trial averages converted at starting weights of 200 lb and 250 lb, rounded to the nearest pound. The COR trials report weight loss at 56 weeks, not month by month.

The four phases of the year

Knowing where you are in the arc helps you manage expectations — and stops you from panicking when the scale stalls.

1
Weeks 1–4

Four-week dose step-up

  • The dose is titrated up to 32/360 mg per day over the first four weeks
  • Nausea was the most common side effect in trials, at about 1 in 3 participants
  • The tablets are extended-release and taken twice daily
2
Weeks 4–8

Appetite and craving changes

  • Appetite and craving changes are typically noticed within 4–8 weeks
  • The drug acts on brain reward and craving pathways rather than only on fullness
  • The full daily dose has usually been reached by this point
3
Weeks 16–24

Significant weight loss

  • Significant weight loss is typically seen by 16–24 weeks
  • COR-I measured its headline 6.1% average at 56 weeks, not at this point
  • About half of COR-I participants had lost at least 5% by the end of the trial
4
Beyond 56 weeks

Staying on treatment

  • COR-BMOD suggests structured lifestyle support adds to what the drug does on its own
  • Weight regain after stopping is expected
  • The drug has to be tapered — stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal from the bupropion component

The first month: managing expectations

A four-week step-up before the full dose

Contrave is titrated to its full 32/360 mg daily dose over the first four weeks. Appetite and craving changes are typically noticed within 4–8 weeks, so the first month is mostly about getting onto the dose and through the nausea, which about 1 in 3 trial participants reported.

Significant weight loss is typically seen by 16–24 weeks. The 6.1% average from COR-I was measured at 56 weeks, so month-one numbers will be much smaller than the headline figure.

Stopping Contrave

This one has to be tapered

Weight regain after stopping is expected. Contrave also has to be tapered rather than stopped abruptly, because stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal from the bupropion component. If you are thinking about coming off it, plan that with your prescriber rather than simply stopping.

Common questions

Written and maintained by one person · Built with agentic AI tools · Every number checked against the cited trial · Not medical advice

How this site is built →

Keep reading

Full Contrave overview →All Contrave clinical evidence →Contrave side effects →What to expect week by week →Contrave cost →What happens if you stop →

Next step most people take

Side effectsWhat to expect and how to manage themCost and savingsWhat you will actually pay

Built with agentic AI tools and not a substitute for medical advice

Last reviewed:

Was this page helpful?
Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment. Prices shown are United States self-pay or list prices and vary by insurance and country.