A recent study suggests that people who discontinue new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent health publication points out that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using such drugs should be aware of the danger of fast weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the amplified rebound.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the medication describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success hinges on combined lifestyle changes.
