Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these drugs need to be cognizant of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to original mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Experts suggest the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs report a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a switch activating and you become extremely hungry," described a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
