Individuals Coming Off Slimming Injections Put On Weight at a Quadrupled Rate Than Dieters

New research indicates that patients who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.

Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.

"Users buying these medications need to be informed of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.

Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years.

Weighing Therapies

The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.

Researchers note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.

The Reason for the Rapid Rebound

Doctors believe the mechanism of the drugs explains the heightened rebound.

GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.

"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.

"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."

A Lifelong Condition?

Medical guidelines recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.

Many experts say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.

This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.

User Accounts

Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a powerful return of appetite.

"I experienced a switch flipping and you become extremely hungry," recalled a patient.

This difficulty is compounded if users have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.

Growing Interest

Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.

• Use is higher among women than males.
• The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
• A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.

Finally, researchers emphasize that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated lifestyle changes.