Fresh analysis indicates that people who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using such medications need to be informed of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors propose the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," said one woman.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle changes.
