Fresh analysis reveals that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such drugs should be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to original weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually see a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs explains the amplified regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs report a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
