A recent study suggests that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying such treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like something that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," said one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
