New research reveals that patients who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using these treatments need to be informed of the potential of fast weight regain when the medication ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically see a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the injections explains the amplified weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs report a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if users have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
