A recent study suggests that patients who discontinue new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals using these treatments need to be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally see a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections accounts for the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have come off the medication explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," described one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle management.
