New research reveals that patients who come off new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying such medications need to be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to original mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally see a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections explains the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this medication leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have come off the medication report a intense return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success likely depends on integrated lifestyle changes.
