A recent study indicates that people who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these medications should be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically see a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you're instantly starving," said one woman.
This challenge is compounded if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
