A recent study suggests that people who stop using new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using these treatments must be cognizant of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the medication ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the injections explains the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Testimonies
Users who have come off the medication explain a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural management.
