Fresh analysis indicates that people who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing these treatments must be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally see a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the mechanism of the drugs explains the amplified rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
