New research suggests that individuals who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using these drugs should be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the heightened rebound.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you become starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
