Patients Stopping Weight-Loss Jabs Gain Back Pounds Far More Rapidly Than Those on Conventional Diets

A recent study suggests that people who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.

Published data in a major health publication shows that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.

"Users buying these treatments need to be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.

Such speed of recovery suggests a return to original weight in about 18 months.

Weighing Therapies

The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with older methods.

The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.

The Reason for the Fast Rebound

Experts propose the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the heightened weight return.

GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.

"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.

"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."

A Chronic Disease?

Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.

Professionals say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.

This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.

User Accounts

People who have discontinued the jabs explain a sudden return of cravings.

"It was like something activating and you're instantly starving," said an individual.

This difficulty is compounded if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.

Growing Use

Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.

• Use is greater among women compared to males.
• The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
• Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.

Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss hinges on integrated lifestyle management.