A recent study indicates that people who come off popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using these treatments must be aware of the danger of quick weight regain when the medication concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the drugs explains the heightened regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you become extremely hungry," described an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success hinges on ongoing lifestyle changes.
