New research reveals that people who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing these drugs must be aware of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally see a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the drugs explains the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like something that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural management.
