A recent study reveals that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major medical journal shows that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying such medications should be aware of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a return to original weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Users who have discontinued the medication report a intense return of hunger.
"It was like something that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," described one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates show that millions of adults 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 highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
