Fresh analysis reveals that people who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing these treatments must be cognizant of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to original mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the way of the jabs accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success likely depends on integrated behavioural support.
