Fresh analysis reveals that patients who stop using new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such medications must be cognizant of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the way of the injections explains the heightened rebound.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have come off the medication explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural changes.
