New research reveals that individuals who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying such drugs must be cognizant of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to original weight in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the way of the injections explains the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication explain a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," said one woman.
The struggle is compounded if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success relies on combined behavioural changes.
