New research reveals that individuals who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using these treatments must be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the medication ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to starting mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting generally have a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Experts believe the way of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This challenge is compounded if users have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle management.
