A recent study reveals that individuals who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading health publication points out that while obese individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals using such medications need to be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to original mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the way of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have come off the medication explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a switch activating and you become starving," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
