New research indicates that individuals who stop using new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying such drugs should be cognizant of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting generally see a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have come off the medication describe a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become starving," recalled a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
