New research indicates that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using these drugs must be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally experience a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the amplified regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you're instantly starving," described a patient.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and long-term success relies on combined lifestyle support.
