New research suggests that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing these medications must be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through dieting usually experience a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the injections accounts for the amplified rebound.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits hinges on integrated lifestyle management.
