Fresh analysis suggests that people who discontinue new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using these drugs need to be aware of the risk of rapid weight regain when the treatment ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to original mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically see a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the amplified regain.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a intense return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you become extremely hungry," said one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural changes.
