A recent study reveals that patients who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while obese individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals using these medications need to be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically have a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the jabs accounts for the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you become starving," described one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated lifestyle support.
