A recent study reveals that people who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing such medications must be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the injections is key to understanding the amplified regain.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have come off the jabs report a intense return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if users have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits hinges on combined behavioural changes.
