A recent study suggests that individuals who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these drugs should be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually see a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the jabs accounts for the amplified weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
People who have come off the jabs report a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced something that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
