New research reveals that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these medications must be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting generally have a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts propose the way of the injections accounts for the amplified weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a intense return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and you become ravenous," described one woman.
The struggle is compounded if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits hinges on combined lifestyle support.
