Users Discontinuing Slimming Jabs Gain Back Weight at a Quadrupled Rate Than Those on Conventional Diets

New research reveals that people who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.

Research printed in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.

"Users purchasing these treatments must be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.

This pace of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.

Weighing Approaches

The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.

Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually see a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.

Explaining the Quick Rebound

Experts propose the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated regain.

GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.

"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.

"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."

A Lifelong Disease?

Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.

A number of clinicians contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.

This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.

User Accounts

People who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.

"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.

This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.

Growing Use

Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.

• Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
• The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
• Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.

Finally, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural changes.