Fresh analysis reveals that individuals who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users using these medications should be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to original weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through dieting usually experience a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the drugs explains the amplified rebound.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Users who have come off the jabs explain a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you become extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is compounded if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
