Fresh analysis reveals that people who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing such medications should be aware of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs report a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like something that goes on and you become ravenous," described one woman.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians stress that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits relies on integrated behavioural support.
