Fresh analysis suggests that people who come off new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these drugs need to be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts propose the way of the drugs accounts for the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the medication describe a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural support.
