While medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy have revolutionised weight management for many, they are not a permanent magic solution. These GLP-1 agonist drugs have proven highly effective, helping users lose up to four times more weight than through diet and exercise alone. However, maintaining that loss after treatment ends is a significant challenge for a portion of the estimated 1.5 million people in the UK now using these injections.
Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, confirms that weight regain after stopping is common. "While it can differ depending on the individual, it’s quite common for people to regain some of the weight lost once they stop taking the medication," he told Metro. The reasons range from metabolic changes to returning appetite, but avoiding specific mistakes can help safeguard your progress.
The Critical Errors That Undo Progress
Medical professionals highlight several frequent missteps that can lead to disappointing results after concluding a course of GLP-1 medication. Awareness of these pitfalls is the first step towards preventing them.
Stopping Abruptly and Too Early
One of the most critical errors is halting treatment suddenly. Dr Grant warns that going "cold turkey" could cause a rebound in appetite, leading to poor eating choices and weight gain. He strongly advises consulting your GP to create a safe, gradual tapering plan instead.
Equally problematic is stopping treatment prematurely. These medications are designed for long-term use, often recommended for courses of 12 to 24 months. Dr Grant notes that stopping too early denies the body adequate time to adapt, making sustained weight loss far less likely.
Neglecting Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Relying solely on the jab without implementing lasting lifestyle changes is a recipe for regain. A major Oxford University study of over 6,000 individuals found that those who stopped GLP-1 drugs typically regained the weight within ten months if they did not maintain healthy habits.
"When stopping weight loss injections, it’s crucially important that individuals replace the treatment with another way to keep weight off," Dr Grant explains. This includes integrating regular exercise, such as 30 minutes daily, to offset calorie intake and prevent a sedentary routine.
Diet remains paramount. Failing to adjust your eating habits while on the medication is, according to Dr Grant, a "sure-fire way to regain weight lost." He recommends a structured dietary plan with set meal times and a balanced focus on high-protein, fibre-rich, and healthy fat foods.
Addressing the Root Causes
Beyond diet and exercise, experts stress the importance of tackling the psychological and physiological underpinnings of weight management.
Dr Debra Marcos, Medical Director at Weight Medics, emphasises that weight is rarely just about food. She points to emotional eating, stress, hormonal imbalances, poor sleep, and unresolved trauma as common contributors. "The jab may reduce weight temporarily, but unless these underlying causes are addressed, weight regain is likely," she states. GLP-1 medications do not fix emotional or stress-related eating habits.
Once the appetite-suppressing effect of the medication wears off, patients may feel a loss of control, potentially triggering a return to old patterns. Dr Marcos suggests working with dietitians or therapists to identify emotional triggers and develop healthier coping strategies.
Nutritionally, ensuring adequate protein intake is vital, both during and after treatment. Dr Marcos notes that insufficient protein can lead to muscle loss and a slower metabolism. The British Heart Foundation advises most adults to consume about 0.75g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily—approximately 45g for women and 55g for men. Pairing this with strength training helps preserve metabolically active muscle mass.
The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring
Finally, Dr Grant advises regular weight monitoring after stopping treatment. While avoiding an unhealthy obsession with the scales is important, tracking your weight helps you adjust your routine quickly if you start to slip, protecting the significant investment of time, energy, and money you've made in your health.
By steering clear of these seven common mistakes—stopping abruptly, quitting too early, neglecting lifestyle and diet, ignoring emotional health, skimping on protein, and failing to monitor progress—individuals can significantly improve their chances of maintaining the benefits of weight loss jabs long after their final dose.
