New research suggests that patients who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing such medications should be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a return to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the injections explains the heightened rebound.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," described a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle management.
