Users Stopping Slimming Jabs Put On Weight at a Quadrupled Rate Than Those on Conventional Diets

New research suggests that patients who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight far faster than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.

Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.

"People purchasing such drugs need to be informed of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.

This pace of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.

Analyzing Approaches

The research, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with other pills.

Researchers note that people who lose weight through dieting generally see a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.

Understanding the Fast Regain

Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened rebound.

The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.

"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.

"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."

A Lifelong Disease?

Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.

A number of clinicians say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.

This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.

Patient Experiences

Users who have discontinued the jabs report a powerful return of cravings.

"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.

The struggle is worsened if individuals have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.

Widespread Adoption

Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.

• Adoption is greater among women than males.
• The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
• Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.

Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing lifestyle support.