New research indicates that people who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users using these drugs should be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to original mass within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the mode of action of the drugs explains the amplified rebound.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a intense return of hunger.
"I experienced a switch flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
