A recent study suggests that people who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing such treatments must be aware of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to starting mass in about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Experts believe the way of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication means hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a switch activating and you become ravenous," described a patient.
This challenge is worsened if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.