New research suggests that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using these drugs must be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the way of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication report a intense return of cravings.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Use is more common 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 emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
