New research suggests that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these treatments need to be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to starting weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team point out that people who lose weight through dieting generally experience a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors believe the mode of action of the injections explains the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs report a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
