A recent study indicates that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying such treatments must be aware of the danger of quick weight regain when the medication concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to starting mass within about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors propose the mechanism of the injections accounts for the accelerated weight return.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often ongoing.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It was like something that goes on and you become starving," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success relies on combined behavioural management.
