A recent study suggests that individuals who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal shows that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing such treatments need to be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically see a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the heightened regain.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
