Fresh analysis suggests that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing such medications need to be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the treatment concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the jabs explain a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
