Fresh analysis suggests that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using these drugs should be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Experts suggest the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have come off the jabs report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
