Fresh analysis reveals that people who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users buying these medications should be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Doctors believe the way of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication report a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like something activating and you become extremely hungry," said a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
