A recent study suggests that patients who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such treatments must be aware of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through dieting generally have a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the drugs explains the accelerated rebound.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the medication describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you're instantly starving," said one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not established permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural support.
