A recent study reveals that people who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying these drugs should be aware of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually see a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the jabs explains the accelerated weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled one woman.
The struggle is worsened if users have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural support.
