A recent study suggests that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds far faster than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing these treatments should be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to original weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally see a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Doctors believe the mode of action of the jabs explains the amplified rebound.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a intense return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
