Fresh analysis reveals that individuals who stop using popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using such treatments must be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to starting weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Users who have come off the jabs report a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is worsened if users have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle support.