Fresh analysis reveals that people who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals often shed a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People buying these medications need to be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to starting weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally see a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the jabs explains the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of cravings.
"It was like a switch activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said a patient.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
