Fresh analysis indicates that individuals who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major health publication demonstrates that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying such drugs should be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Doctors propose the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you become starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits hinges on combined behavioural management.
