A recent study indicates that individuals who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying these medications need to be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually have a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the jabs explains the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the jabs report a intense return of cravings.
"It was like something flipping and you become ravenous," described an individual.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits hinges on combined behavioural changes.
