New research indicates that people who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying these treatments need to be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Experts propose the way of the jabs explains the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the medication explain a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you become starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing lifestyle support.
