NO WEIGH
Scientists finally discover how long it takes before the weight starts piling back on after stopping fat jabs
Plus, tips for maintaining weight loss
PEOPLE regain the weight they lose on fat jabs within two years of stopping the drugs, research suggests.
Ozempic-style injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are a roaring success due to their rapid slimming effect – but UK rules only allow a maximum two-year prescription.
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Many experts believe the drugs need to be taken for much longer.
Research by has found people typically return to their starting weight one year and eight months after stopping.
The analysis, presented at the European Congress on Obesity looked at weight regain in 6,370 people across 11 previous studies.
It found those taking Wegovy or Mounjaro regained an average of 1st7lbs (9.6kg) within a year, putting them on track to get back the 2st7lbs (16.1kg) they had lost in less than two years.
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Those taking older versions of the GLP-1 injections, such as liraglutide, piled the pounds back on even faster, returning to their starting weight in 10 to 11 months.
Study author Professor Susan Jebb said: “These drugs are very effective at helping you lose weight, but when you stop them, weight regain is much faster than diets.
“Either people really have to accept this as a treatment for life or we need to think really hard about how to support people when they stop the drug.”
The findings highlight the need for people to start eating healthily and exercising more alongside the medication.
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NHS rules say that people must be given healthy living advice and monitored during treatment.
But the vast majority of people using them to slim down buy them privately, with little to no follow-up from a medic.
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Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said: “It shouldn’t surprise anyone if people regain weight having used GLP-1 drugs without seriously attempting to improve their lifestyle.
“This is not the quick fix which many users believe it to be.”
Prof Jane Ogden, of the , added: “There’s no point just throwing people back out into the world to carry on their behaviour from before.
“They’re going to need psychological counselling, behaviour change and nutritional support to keep the weight off.”
How to maintain weight loss
MAINTAINING weight loss involves incorporating healthy habits into a sustainable lifestyle, including regular physical activity, mindful eating, and stress management.
Focus on building lasting changes rather than quick fixes.
Diet and nutrition
- Focus on nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
- Be mindful of serving sizes and use tools like measuring cups to track your intake.
- Reduce intake of sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Aim for three balanced meals per day, with snacks if needed, and avoid skipping meals.
- Pay attention to hunger cues, eat slowly, and avoid distractions while eating.
- Keeping a food journal can help you identify areas where you can make improvements.
Physical activity
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
- Strength training helps build and maintain muscle mass, which boosts metabolism.
- Make exercise a sustainable part of your routine by choosing activities you find enjoyable.
- Take the stairs, park further away, and find opportunities to be active throughout the day.
Lifestyle factors
- Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.
- Stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits, so find healthy ways to manage stress, like exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
- Enlist the help of friends, family, or support groups to stay motivated and accountable.
- Weight maintenance is a journey, not a destination. Be prepared for setbacks and celebrate small victories.
- As your weight and body composition change, your calorie needs may also change, so monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
- This can help you track your progress and identify any potential issues early on.
- If you're struggling to maintain weight loss, consider consulting a registered dietitian or other healthcare professional.
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