New research suggests that individuals who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing such medications need to be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the injections explains the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a intense return of hunger.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural management.
