A recent study indicates that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People using such medications must be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the injections explains the heightened rebound.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing behavioural management.
