Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight far faster than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while obese individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying these treatments need to be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden return of hunger.
"I experienced something flipping and you become starving," said an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
