Fresh analysis suggests that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing such treatments should be informed of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically have a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often life-long.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," described a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
