New research suggests that patients who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal shows that while obese individuals often shed a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing such drugs must be informed of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Experts suggest the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts stress that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural support.
