New research suggests that people who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication points out that while overweight people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People buying such medications must be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the injections accounts for the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
People who have stopped the medication describe a powerful return of appetite.
"I experienced something that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss hinges on integrated behavioural support.
