Fresh analysis reveals that individuals who stop using popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a major health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using such medications must be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to original weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you become ravenous," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle changes.
