A recent study suggests that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major medical journal 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 nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing these medications should be informed of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a return to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally see a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the injections explains the amplified weight return.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Testimonies
People who have come off the jabs explain a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you become starving," described a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle support.
