A recent study reveals that patients who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using such drugs need to be cognizant of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the drugs explains the heightened rebound.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Users who have come off the jabs report a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you're instantly starving," described a patient.
The struggle is compounded if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural management.
