Fresh analysis indicates that people who discontinue new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals purchasing such drugs should be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting generally experience a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the way of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have come off the medication report a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural management.
