Users Coming Off Weight-Loss Jabs Put On Weight Far More Rapidly Than People Using Diet and Exercise

A recent study reveals that people who stop using blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.

Findings released in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.

"Users purchasing these drugs need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.

Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.

Comparing Approaches

The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.

Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.

Explaining the Rapid Regain

Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified weight return.

These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.

"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.

"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."

An Ongoing Disease?

Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.

Professionals say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.

This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.

User Accounts

Users who have come off the medication describe a powerful return of appetite.

"I experienced a trigger that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.

This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.

Growing Use

Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.

• Adoption is higher among women than males.
• The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
• Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.

Ultimately, clinicians stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural support.