Patients Coming Off Slimming Jabs Put On Pounds Far More Rapidly Than People Using Diet and Exercise

New research reveals that patients who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.

Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.

"Individuals using such medications must be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.

That rate of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.

Comparing Approaches

The analysis, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.

The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.

Understanding the Quick Regain

Experts believe the way of the injections explains the amplified weight return.

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

"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.

"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."

An Ongoing Issue?

Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.

Many experts argue that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.

This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.

Patient Experiences

Individuals who have come off the medication report a powerful return of appetite.

"I experienced a switch activating and you become ravenous," described an individual.

This difficulty is compounded if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.

Significant Interest

Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.

• Use is more common among females compared to males.
• The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
• Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.

Finally, clinicians stress that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural changes.