New research reveals that patients who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing such drugs need to be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to original mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the way of the injections is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often ongoing.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly starving," said one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural support.
