Users Stopping Anti-Obesity Injections Put On Pounds Four Times Faster Compared to Those on Conventional Diets

Illustration of medical syringe and scale
Obesity treatment involves long-term strategies.

A recent study reveals that people who come off blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.

Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.

"Users buying such treatments need to be cognizant of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.

That rate of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.

Weighing Treatments

The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.

Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally have a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.

Understanding the Rapid Rebound

Experts propose the way of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.

The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.

"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.

"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."

A Chronic Issue?

The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.

Many experts contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.

This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.

User Accounts

Individuals who have come off the jabs report a sudden return of appetite.

"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly ravenous," described one woman.

This challenge is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.

Widespread Use

Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.

  • Use is higher among women compared to men.
  • The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
  • A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.

Finally, clinicians stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural changes.

Steven Gilbert DVM
Steven Gilbert DVM

Urban mobility enthusiast with years of experience testing electric scooters and bikes in Amsterdam.