New research reveals that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing these medications should be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to starting mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the jabs explains the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication means appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the medication explain a intense return of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described one woman.
This challenge is compounded if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural support.