New research indicates that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using these medications should be cognizant of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often life-long.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts emphasize that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural support.