New research indicates that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing these drugs must be aware of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to starting weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have discontinued the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle management.
