A recent study suggests that people who stop using new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing these drugs should be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the injections accounts for the accelerated rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the jabs report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a switch activating and you become starving," said an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle changes.
