A recent study suggests that patients who stop using new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing these drugs must be informed of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the way of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a powerful return of cravings.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you become ravenous," described one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural changes.
