New research reveals that people who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these treatments need to be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to original weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication report a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like something flipping and you become extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
