Users Discontinuing Anti-Obesity Medications Gain Back Weight at a Quadrupled Rate Compared to Dieters

New research indicates that people who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.

Research printed in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.

"Individuals using such treatments should be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.

That rate of regain means a return to original mass within about a year and a half.

Weighing Therapies

The research, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.

The team point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually experience a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.

Understanding the Fast Rebound

Doctors propose the way of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.

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

"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.

"Discontinuation of this medication results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."

A Lifelong Condition?

The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.

Professionals say that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.

This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.

User Experiences

Users who have stopped the jabs report a powerful resurgence of hunger.

"It was like a switch that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," described an individual.

The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.

Widespread Use

Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.

• Use is greater among females compared to men.
• The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
• A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.

Finally, experts caution that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural management.