A recent study suggests that people who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users using these treatments should be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually see a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a powerful return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Survey data indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
