Patients Coming Off Slimming Injections Regain Pounds Far More Rapidly Than Dieters

New research indicates that individuals who stop using new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.

Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.

"People using such drugs must be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.

That rate of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.

Analyzing Therapies

The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.

The team note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically see a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.

Explaining the Rapid Rebound

Doctors suggest the way of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.

The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.

"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.

"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."

A Chronic Disease?

The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.

Professionals argue that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered life-long.

This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.

Patient Testimonies

Individuals who have come off the medication explain a intense return of hunger.

"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you become ravenous," said an individual.

This difficulty is compounded if patients have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.

Widespread Use

Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.

• Use is more common among women compared to males.
• The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
• A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.

Finally, experts emphasize that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits relies on combined lifestyle changes.