New research suggests that individuals who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication points out that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing these medications should be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally see a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"I experienced something that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
