A recent study indicates that people who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying these drugs need to be informed of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said an individual.
This challenge is compounded if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
