New research reveals that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People using such drugs should be aware of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
These medications copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the medication report a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if something activating and you become starving," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is higher among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural management.
