New research indicates that patients who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying such treatments need to be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through dieting usually have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success hinges on integrated lifestyle management.
