New research indicates that people who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying such treatments need to be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to original weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Doctors propose the mode of action of the jabs explains the amplified rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly ravenous," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
