New research reveals that individuals who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users using these treatments need to be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Doctors believe the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have come off the medication explain a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly ravenous," described an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Use is higher among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
