A recent study reveals that people who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while obese individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such medications need to be cognizant of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts believe the way of the jabs explains the heightened regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly ravenous," said an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
