New research suggests that people who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying such medications should be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to original weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have come off the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you become ravenous," recalled one woman.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts stress that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle support.
