Fresh analysis indicates that patients who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such treatments need to be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually experience a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the mode of action of the jabs explains the amplified regain.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration 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 GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the medication report a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on integrated lifestyle support.
