A recent study suggests that people who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing these treatments must be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the medication describe a sudden return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Figures suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
