A recent study reveals that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying such drugs need to be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to starting mass in about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors believe the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have come off the jabs describe a intense return of appetite.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
