New research suggests that people who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing these drugs should be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to starting mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the drugs explains the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a intense return of appetite.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if users have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.
