TL;DR
A review in the British Medical Journal indicates people who stop GLP-1 weight‑loss injections regain weight much faster than those who stop conventional dieting — an estimated 0.8 kg per month versus about 0.1 kg per month. The analysis is based on clinical trials with limited post‑treatment follow‑up, and researchers call for longer real‑world studies.
What happened
Researchers compiling 37 clinical studies involving more than 9,000 participants compared outcomes after stopping weight‑loss injections with outcomes after stopping conventional diet or exercise programmes. The analysis found that people treated with injectable GLP‑1 medicines lost substantial weight while on therapy — roughly one‑fifth of body weight — but then regained around 0.8 kg per month once treatment stopped, which would restore pre‑treatment weight in about 18 months at that rate. By contrast, those who lost weight through dieting tended to regain more slowly, at roughly 0.1 kg per month. Only eight of the included trials assessed the newer GLP‑1 drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, and maximum follow‑up after stopping treatment in those trials was one year, so the post‑treatment rates are estimates. Investigators and external experts highlighted biological explanations tied to appetite regulation and warned that findings from trials may not exactly match real‑world patterns.
Why it matters
- Rapid weight regain after stopping GLP‑1 injections could limit long‑term benefits unless sustained strategies are in place.
- The findings suggest these medicines may need ongoing use or accompanying behavioural interventions to maintain weight losses.
- Prescribing rules and access differ from private to public systems, affecting who can receive longer courses of treatment.
- High public interest and growing private use mean potential demand for clearer guidance and longer‑term safety and effectiveness data.
Key facts
- Analysis published in the British Medical Journal reviewed 37 trials including over 9,000 patients.
- People on slimming injections lost about one‑fifth of their body weight on average while treated.
- Average estimated weight regain after stopping injections was 0.8 kg per month; dieting relapse was about 0.1 kg per month.
- Only eight trials evaluated newer GLP‑1 drugs (Wegovy, Mounjaro); follow‑up after stopping these drugs was up to one year.
- Investigators caution the results derive from clinical trials and that real‑world rates may differ.
- Experts note GLP‑1 drugs mimic a hormone that regulates appetite, which may explain amplified hunger after withdrawal.
- University College London estimates about 1.6 million UK adults used these injections in the past year; 3.3 million said they would be interested.
- NHS guidance limits use to people with weight‑related health risks; Wegovy is currently limited to two years on the NHS, Mounjaro has no specified NHS time limit.
- Pharmaceutical companies and researchers say treatment should be combined with healthy eating, activity and medical follow‑up.
What to watch next
- Longer randomised and real‑world outcome trials tracking weight and health effects several years after stopping GLP‑1 drugs.
- Evidence on whether short‑term use of these medicines reduces long‑term organ damage (heart, kidneys, joints).
- Changes in public‑health guidance or NHS prescribing policies in response to emerging long‑term data.
Quick glossary
- GLP‑1: A naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar; targeted by some obesity medications.
- GLP‑1 receptor agonist: A class of drugs that mimic GLP‑1 to reduce appetite and support weight loss; includes medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
- Randomised clinical trial: A study design that assigns participants at random to different treatments to compare outcomes while limiting bias.
- NHS prescribing criteria: Clinical guidelines and eligibility rules used by the UK National Health Service to determine who can receive specific treatments.
Reader FAQ
Do people regain weight faster after stopping slimming jabs?
According to the BMJ review, estimated regain after stopping injectable GLP‑1 drugs was about 0.8 kg per month, faster than the ~0.1 kg per month seen after stopping conventional dieting in the trials reviewed.
Are these results based on real‑world use?
Not confirmed in the source; the report notes the figures come from clinical trials and calls for more real‑world and longer‑term studies.
Should these drugs be taken long term?
Many commentators cited in the report suggest considering long‑term use given relapse risk, but the source reports that prescribing rules and treatment duration vary and further evidence is needed.
Can any doctor prescribe Mounjaro or Wegovy on the NHS?
No. The source says GPs and specialist services cannot automatically prescribe these drugs; NHS provision is for people meeting specific clinical criteria.
People who come off slimming jabs regain weight four times faster than dieters 2 days ago Share Save Michelle Roberts Digital health editor Getty Images Slimmers who come off weight-loss…
Sources
- People who come off slimming jabs regain weight four times faster than dieters
- What happens when people stop the injections?
- People who stop taking weight-loss jabs regain …
- New study finds that stopping weight-loss drugs is linked to …
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