New research reveals that individuals who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the way of the jabs accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs explain a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced something flipping and you become ravenous," said one woman.
The struggle is worsened if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle management.
