New research reveals that individuals who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying such drugs must be aware of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs report a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something activating and you're instantly starving," said one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated lifestyle support.
