New research suggests that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese individuals often shed a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users using such drugs should be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the medication explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a switch activating and you become starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is worsened if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Figures 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 compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success hinges on ongoing lifestyle changes.
