A recent study suggests that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using these treatments should be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the treatment ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to original mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Experts suggest the mode of action of the jabs explains the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if something flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said an individual.
The struggle is worsened if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is more common among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
