A recent study indicates that people who come off new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a major health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using such drugs must be cognizant of the potential of fast weight regain when the medication ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to starting weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically see a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication means hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have come off the medication report a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural support.
