New research reveals that patients who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing such medications must be cognizant of the danger of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting usually have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," said an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
