New research suggests that patients who stop using new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a leading health publication points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using such medications need to be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to original mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the way of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs report a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle changes.
