New research suggests that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals using these treatments need to be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the mode of action of the injections accounts for the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have come off the medication explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something activating and you become starving," said one woman.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle management.
