A recent study indicates that patients who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing such drugs need to be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically experience a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts believe the way of the injections explains the amplified weight return.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you become extremely hungry," said a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success hinges on combined lifestyle management.
