A recent study reveals that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major health publication points out that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users using such medications must be aware of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically have a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the drugs explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and you become ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits relies on combined lifestyle management.
