Users Stopping Slimming Jabs Regain Weight Far More Rapidly Compared to Dieters

New research reveals that patients who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.

Findings released in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.

"Users using such drugs must be aware of the risk of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.

This pace of regain implies a return to starting weight within about one and a half years.

Analyzing Therapies

The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.

Scientists note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically see a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.

Explaining the Rapid Regain

Experts propose the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.

GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.

"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.

"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."

A Lifelong Issue?

Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.

Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.

This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.

Patient Testimonies

Users who have stopped the jabs report a sudden return of appetite.

"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become extremely hungry," said a patient.

This challenge is exacerbated if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.

Growing Adoption

Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.

• Use is more common among females compared to males.
• The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
• A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.

Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.