New research indicates that patients who come off new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using such drugs should be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting usually experience a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the jabs accounts for the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication describe a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced something activating and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
This challenge is worsened if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
