A recent study indicates that patients who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using these treatments need to be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the way of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Testimonies
People who have stopped the medication explain a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
