New research suggests that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while obese individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users using such treatments should be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally experience a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs explains the amplified weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have come off the jabs describe a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a switch flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
The struggle is worsened if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts stress that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
