New research reveals that people who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these treatments need to be aware of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Scientists point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the jabs explains the amplified weight return.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
