A recent study suggests that patients who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal shows that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these treatments should be aware of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you become ravenous," described a patient.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
