Fresh analysis indicates that people who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a major health publication shows that while obese individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using such drugs must be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing behavioural support.
