A recent study suggests that people who stop using new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying these drugs must be informed of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the drugs explains the amplified regain.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like something flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts stress that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
