New research reveals that individuals who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users using these treatments need to be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the jabs explain a powerful return of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
