Fresh analysis indicates that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People using such medications need to be aware of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to starting mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through dieting generally have a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you become ravenous," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
