Patients Stopping Slimming Medications Put On Weight at a Quadrupled Rate Compared to Dieters
A recent study suggests that individuals who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users using such medications should be aware of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the jabs explains the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have come off the medication describe a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you're instantly starving," said a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
