New research reveals that people who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major health publication points out that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using such drugs need to be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically see a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors propose the way of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs report a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
