SLIMMERS who use weight loss jabs pile flab back on four times faster than dieters, a study has found.
Oxford University experts said injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy should be taken for life.
A review of 9,341 people in 37 studies found most put all the weight back on within two years of stopping medication.
They also lost improvements to their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
People who stuck to diet and exercise lost less weight but stayed slimmer for longer.
Weight loss jabs’ popularity has soared because they make weight loss quick and easy.
Read more on weight loss jabs
Dr Sam West, from the University of Oxford, said: “We found that people taking medication lose more weight but they regain their weight four times faster.
“They’re estimated to return to their baseline 1.7 years after medication compared to just under four years with behavioural programs.”
They should not be relied on as a magic cure for treating obesity
Dr Qi Sun,
Separate research by University College London estimated 1.6million Brits used the drugs in the last year.
A massive one in 10 adults – 4.9million – have either already used them or want to in the future.
Two thirds of people in the UK are overweight and about 30 per cent are obese.
But experts warn the jabs are not a quick fix and people must also change their diet and lifestyle.
The Oxford study, published in the British Medical Journal, found fat jab users gained an average of 400g per month after stopping treatment, compared to 100g per month for diet and exercise patients.
Study co-author and leading obesity expert Dr Susan Jebb said: “We’ve shown that weight regain after medication is common and is rapid.
“When the drug stops and appetite returns, it seems that current strategies are not sufficient to enable people to continue to manage their weight.
“Obesity is a chronic relapsing condition, and I think that these treatments need to be continued for life in the same way as blood pressure medication.”
Dr Qi Sun, a Harvard University expert who was not involved with the study, added: “They should not be relied on as a magic cure for treating obesity.”
JAB USERS ‘AT RISK OF VITAMIN DEFICIENCY’
PEOPLE using weight loss jabs are at risk of vitamin deficiencies and becoming weak, scientists warn.
Cambridge University scientists said injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy crush users’ appetites and can slash calorie intake by up to 39 per cent, leading to rapid weight loss.
But eating a lot less food means patients are also falling short on vital nutrients.
The big fall in how much food users eat means they risk not getting enough vitamins, minerals, fibre or protein.
A lack of protein causes muscles to shrink, too little fibre is bad for the gut and vitamin deficiencies weaken the immune system.
Experts said many private clinics selling the jabs do not offer good enough support for a patient’s diet and lifestyle during and after their medication.
Dr Adrian Brown, obesity professor at UCL, said: “Obesity management medications work by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and altering eating behaviours, which often leads people to eat significantly less.
“This can be highly beneficial for individuals living with obesity, as it supports substantial weight loss and improves health outcomes.
“However, without appropriate nutritional guidance and support from healthcare professionals, there is a real risk that reduced food intake could compromise dietary quality, meaning people may not get enough protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals essential for maintaining overall health.”
