A recent study suggests that individuals who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such treatments should be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," said a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural management.
