Fast Regain After Stopping Medication
New research published in the British Medical Journal suggests that people who stop taking popular weight‑loss injections such as Mounjaro or Wegovy regain weight significantly faster than those who discontinue conventional dieting and exercise. On average, patients put back on 0.8 kg per month after stopping the jabs—about four times the rate of weight regain seen in traditional dieters. This means many return to their pre‑treatment weight within 18 months.
Study Findings
The analysis reviewed 37 studies involving more than 9,000 patients. While participants using GLP‑1 drugs lost substantial weight—around 20% of their body weight—the relapse rate was striking once treatment ended. Only eight studies focused specifically on newer GLP‑1 medications, and follow‑up was limited to one year after discontinuation, so researchers caution that the figures are estimates.
Expert Warning
Lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb of Oxford University warned: “People buying these need to be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment ends.” She emphasized that the findings are based on clinical trials rather than real‑world data, and called for more long‑term studies to understand the lasting effects of these drugs.
Comparison With Dieting
By contrast, people who lose weight through diet and exercise tend to regain more slowly—about 0.1 kg per month on average. While the initial weight loss is typically less dramatic than with injections, the slower rate of regain may offer more sustainable results.
Risk of Relapse
The NHS recommends weight‑loss jabs only for individuals with obesity‑related health risks, not for cosmetic slimming. Doctors also stress the importance of pairing medication with healthy eating and regular exercise. Many experts argue that treatment should be considered life‑long, given the high risk of relapse once injections stop.