Fresh analysis reveals that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing such treatments need to be aware of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to original weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections accounts for the heightened rebound.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the jabs report a sudden return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts stress that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
