A recent study reveals that individuals who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using these medications need to be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Experts propose the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a intense return of cravings.
"It was like something that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," said an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and long-term success hinges on combined lifestyle changes.
