A recent study suggests that patients who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users buying such medications should be informed of the potential of fast weight regain when the treatment concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to original mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting usually experience a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Experts believe the way of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the medication report a powerful return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you become ravenous," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits hinges on integrated behavioural management.
