A recent study reveals that people who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying such medications must be aware of the danger of fast weight regain when the medication is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through dieting usually experience a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the amplified regain.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "highlight the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something activating and you become ravenous," said one woman.
The struggle is worsened if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural support.
