New research indicates that individuals who come off new slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using these drugs need to be cognizant of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the injections accounts for the amplified weight return.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a intense return of cravings.
"It was like something activating and you become starving," recalled a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
