New research reveals that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing these treatments must be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally see a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Experts believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a powerful return of cravings.
"I experienced something activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," described a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits hinges on integrated behavioural support.
