New research reveals that people who stop using new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying these treatments need to be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors propose the way of the drugs accounts for the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs report a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you become starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural support.
