New research suggests that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these medications should be cognizant of the potential of fast weight regain when the treatment is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden return of hunger.
"I experienced something activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
