Fresh analysis suggests that people who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing these drugs need to be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to starting mass in about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication describe a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success likely depends on integrated behavioural support.
