A recent study reveals that people who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing these treatments should be aware of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to original weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the accelerated regain.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the medication explain a intense return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," said a patient.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success relies on ongoing lifestyle management.
