Patients Discontinuing Anti-Obesity Jabs Put On Pounds at a Quadrupled Rate Than People Using Diet and Exercise

New research suggests that individuals who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.

Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while obese individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.

"Users using these medications should be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.

This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to starting mass within about 18 months.

Comparing Approaches

The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.

The team point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually see a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.

Understanding the Fast Regain

Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the jabs explains the accelerated rebound.

GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.

"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.

"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."

An Ongoing Issue?

Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.

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

This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.

Patient Experiences

Users who have stopped the jabs report a sudden return of appetite.

"It felt as if something flipping and you become ravenous," described an individual.

This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.

Growing Interest

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

• Use is more common among women compared to men.
• The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
• Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.

Ultimately, researchers stress that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.