A recent study suggests that patients who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing such treatments should be cognizant of the potential of rapid weight regain when the treatment ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically see a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts propose the way of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
People who have come off the jabs describe a powerful return of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you become ravenous," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
