A recent study indicates that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using such drugs need to be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs report a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said an individual.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits relies on combined behavioural management.
