Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using these medications should be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting generally see a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the way of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while these medications are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
