A recent study suggests that individuals who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals using these medications must be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally see a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the injections explains the accelerated weight return.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
