New research reveals that people who stop using new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing such medications need to be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to original mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting usually experience a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you become ravenous," said an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
