New research reveals that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a major health publication shows that while obese individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using such drugs must be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually see a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors believe the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
People who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and you become ravenous," described an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural management.
