A recent study indicates that individuals who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication points out that while obese individuals often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using these medications should be informed of the potential of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually see a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections accounts for the heightened regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and long-term success likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
