New research reveals that people who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying such medications need to be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to starting weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the injections explains the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs explain a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger activating and you become extremely hungry," said one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural changes.
