A recent study reveals that individuals who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these medications must be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually have a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the drugs accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities suggest the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Users who have come off the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural management.
