New research reveals that people who stop using new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while obese individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing these drugs must be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the treatment ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally see a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "highlight the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have come off the jabs describe a intense return of cravings.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural management.
