Fresh analysis indicates that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing such medications need to be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through dieting generally have a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you become extremely hungry," said a patient.
The struggle is worsened if users have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing lifestyle management.
