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

Fresh analysis indicates that patients who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.

Research printed in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.

"Users using such medications need to be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.

This pace of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.

Weighing Therapies

The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.

The team emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.

The Reason for the Fast Regain

Experts believe the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened regain.

The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.

"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.

"Discontinuation of this medication results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."

An Ongoing Condition?

Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.

Professionals contend that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.

This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.

Patient Experiences

People who have come off the medication explain a sudden return of cravings.

"It was like a switch activating and you're instantly starving," described an individual.

This challenge is compounded if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.

Significant Use

Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.

• Adoption is more common among women than males.
• The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
• A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.

Ultimately, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.