New research reveals that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals purchasing these drugs must be aware of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to starting mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.
These medications copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like something flipping and you become ravenous," recalled one woman.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is higher among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits relies on combined behavioural support.
