Fresh analysis reveals that people who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing such medications must be cognizant of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to original mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors propose the mode of action of the drugs explains the heightened weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
