New research reveals that people who discontinue new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while obese individuals often shed a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these medications must be cognizant of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically see a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs explains the accelerated weight return.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have come off the medication explain a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not established permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle management.
