Fresh analysis reveals that people who come off new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing such treatments should be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the drugs explains the heightened regain.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Users who have come off the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
