New research suggests that individuals who stop using new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users purchasing such treatments need to be informed of the potential of fast weight regain when the medication concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually experience a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Experts believe the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the medication report a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced something that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said one woman.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
