🔗 Share this article Individuals Stopping Anti-Obesity Injections Gain Back Weight Far More Rapidly Than Those on Conventional Diets Obesity treatment often requires ongoing approaches. New research suggests that patients who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who end traditional lifestyle programs. Research printed in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit. "Users using such treatments should be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb. This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight in about 18 months. Weighing Treatments The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods. Scientists note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish. The Reason for the Fast Regain Experts propose the mode of action of the jabs explains the amplified weight return. These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite. "Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert. "Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable." An Ongoing Issue? The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes. Many experts argue that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing. This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension. Patient Accounts People who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of hunger. "It felt as if a trigger activating and you become starving," said one woman. The struggle is worsened if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy. Significant Interest Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow. Adoption is higher among females compared to men. The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates. A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS. In conclusion, experts stress that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success hinges on integrated lifestyle management.
Obesity treatment often requires ongoing approaches. New research suggests that patients who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who end traditional lifestyle programs. Research printed in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit. "Users using such treatments should be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb. This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight in about 18 months. Weighing Treatments The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods. Scientists note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish. The Reason for the Fast Regain Experts propose the mode of action of the jabs explains the amplified weight return. These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite. "Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert. "Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable." An Ongoing Issue? The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes. Many experts argue that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing. This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension. Patient Accounts People who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of hunger. "It felt as if a trigger activating and you become starving," said one woman. The struggle is worsened if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy. Significant Interest Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow. Adoption is higher among females compared to men. The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates. A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS. In conclusion, experts stress that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success hinges on integrated lifestyle management.