Fresh analysis suggests that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals using such treatments need to be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the jabs explains the accelerated rebound.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication describe a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It was like something flipping and you become starving," said an individual.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits hinges on combined lifestyle management.
