A recent study reveals that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users purchasing such drugs should be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the medication explain a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success hinges on combined lifestyle support.
