New research indicates that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing such medications must be aware of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to starting mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally see a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the drugs explains the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of cravings.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly ravenous," said an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing lifestyle management.
