Fresh analysis reveals that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing such drugs must be aware of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the mechanism of the jabs explains the accelerated weight return.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Testimonies
Users who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs 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 usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural support.
