A recent study indicates that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying such treatments must be aware of the danger of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a intense return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success hinges on combined lifestyle support.
