New research indicates that people who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such treatments should be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
These medications copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs explain a intense return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly starving," recalled an individual.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
