A recent study suggests that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a major health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using these drugs need to be cognizant of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the mode of action of the drugs explains the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," said one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success hinges on combined lifestyle changes.
