Fresh analysis suggests that patients who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing these medications need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting generally see a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors propose the way of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this medication leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
People who have come off the jabs explain a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural management.
