A recent study indicates that people who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users buying these treatments must be aware of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to starting weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts believe the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical 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 endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural management.
