New research indicates that individuals who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People buying these treatments must be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to original weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally experience a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of appetite.
"It was like something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," described a patient.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
