Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who discontinue new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users using these drugs need to be aware of the danger of fast weight regain when the medication is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to original mass within about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs explains the amplified regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a switch activating and you become extremely hungry," said a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success likely depends on integrated behavioural management.
