New research indicates that people who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading health publication points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such drugs must be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have come off the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
