A recent study indicates that individuals who discontinue blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying such treatments should be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have discontinued the medication report a sudden return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and long-term success relies on combined behavioural changes.
