Fresh analysis suggests that patients who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying such medications should be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally see a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if users have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success relies on combined lifestyle changes.
