A recent study indicates that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading health publication points out that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using these drugs need to be aware of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to original weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a powerful return of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you become extremely hungry," said one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
