New research suggests that individuals who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People using such medications must be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the way of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become starving," said a patient.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.
