New research indicates that patients who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing these medications need to be cognizant of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the way of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," described an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
