New research suggests that individuals who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using such drugs need to be cognizant of the danger of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a reversion to original mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden return of hunger.
"I experienced something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
