New research indicates that people who come off new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using such medications must be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to starting mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting usually have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the mode of action of the injections explains the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have come off the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you become extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
