Fresh analysis reveals that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying such drugs need to be aware of the potential of fast weight regain when the treatment concludes," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to starting mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something activating and you become starving," said a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle changes.