New research suggests that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a major medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People buying these treatments need to be informed of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to original mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors propose the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the medication report a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if something that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," said an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success relies on combined behavioural changes.
