A recent study reveals that patients who stop using new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying such treatments need to be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally experience a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural support.
