Fresh analysis reveals that patients who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users buying such treatments must be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the medication describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you become ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Survey data indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.
