Fresh analysis suggests that people who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying such medications should be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a return to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally have a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts believe the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you become ravenous," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle management.
