A recent study indicates that people who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a major health publication shows that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying such drugs need to be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to starting mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically have a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the injections accounts for the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls 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 responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," said a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on integrated lifestyle support.
