New research suggests that people who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a major health publication points out that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using these drugs should be aware of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the injections accounts for the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on integrated lifestyle support.
