New research reveals that people who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while obese individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying such drugs need to be aware of the danger of rapid weight regain when the medication is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually have a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Experts believe the mode of action of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
People who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," described a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
