New research reveals that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using such treatments must be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to original mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the drugs explains the amplified regain.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Testimonies
People who have stopped the jabs report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," described an individual.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural management.
