New research reveals that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such treatments need to be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the drugs accounts for the amplified weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a switch flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success relies on ongoing lifestyle support.
