New research reveals that people who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using such medications should be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally see a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the medication report a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you become starving," described a patient.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing behavioural management.
