A recent study indicates that people who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals using such drugs need to be aware of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to starting weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually have a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the drugs explains the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits relies on combined behavioural support.
