A recent study indicates that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals using these medications must be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to original mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally experience a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the way of the injections explains the accelerated weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you become extremely hungry," said one woman.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
