Fresh analysis indicates that people who come off popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying these drugs must be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally see a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication report a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become starving," described a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians stress that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
