A recent study suggests that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal shows that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing these medications need to be aware of the potential of fast weight regain when the medication is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you're instantly starving," said a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural changes.
