New research reveals that patients who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying such treatments need to be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to original mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have come off the medication describe a sudden return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," described a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle management.
