New research reveals that individuals who discontinue new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals purchasing such treatments must be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally see a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs describe a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits relies on combined behavioural management.
