A recent study reveals that patients who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users buying such treatments need to be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs explain a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and you become starving," said a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
