Fresh analysis suggests that people who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying such drugs must be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts believe the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the medication report a powerful return of appetite.
"I experienced something flipping and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians stress that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
