New research reveals that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a major health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing these drugs need to be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle support.
