Individuals Stopping Weight-Loss Jabs Put On Pounds at a Quadrupled Rate Than Dieters

New research suggests that people who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.

Findings released 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 average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.

"People using these drugs should be informed of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.

That rate of recovery suggests a return to starting mass within about a year and a half.

Analyzing Approaches

The analysis, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.

The team note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.

The Reason for the Quick Regain

Experts believe the mechanism of the jabs explains the heightened regain.

The injections mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.

"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.

"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."

A Lifelong Disease?

Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.

Professionals contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.

This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.

Patient Experiences

People who have stopped the jabs report a powerful return of hunger.

"It felt as if a switch flipping and you're instantly starving," described an individual.

The struggle is compounded if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.

Widespread Interest

Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.

• Use is higher among females than males.
• The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
• A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.

Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle support.