New research suggests that people who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major health publication demonstrates that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using such medications should be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists point out that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the drugs explains the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have come off the jabs describe a sudden return of appetite.
"It was like something activating and you become starving," described one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
