🔗 Share this article Patients Stopping Slimming Injections Gain Back Pounds Far More Rapidly Than People Using Diet and Exercise Weight management involves long-term strategies. New research suggests that people who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans. Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit. "Individuals buying these medications need to be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb. That rate of recovery implies a return to starting mass in about 18 months. Comparing Approaches The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting. Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish. Explaining the Rapid Rebound Experts believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened rebound. GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger. "Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher. "Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely." An Ongoing Disease? Health authorities suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes. Professionals argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term. This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure. Patient Experiences Individuals who have stopped the jabs report a powerful return of cravings. "It was like a switch flipping and you're instantly ravenous," said an individual. This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy. Significant Adoption Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial. Adoption is greater among women compared to males. The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest. A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services. Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural changes.
Weight management involves long-term strategies. New research suggests that people who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans. Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit. "Individuals buying these medications need to be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb. That rate of recovery implies a return to starting mass in about 18 months. Comparing Approaches The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting. Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish. Explaining the Rapid Rebound Experts believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened rebound. GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger. "Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher. "Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely." An Ongoing Disease? Health authorities suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes. Professionals argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term. This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure. Patient Experiences Individuals who have stopped the jabs report a powerful return of cravings. "It was like a switch flipping and you're instantly ravenous," said an individual. This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy. Significant Adoption Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial. Adoption is greater among women compared to males. The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest. A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services. Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural changes.