A recent study suggests that patients who come off new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users buying these drugs must be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the mechanism of the jabs explains the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal might result in the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said an individual.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
