New research indicates that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using such drugs must be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to starting weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the amplified regain.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have come off the medication describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural changes.
