A recent study indicates that people who discontinue popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such treatments need to be informed of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the injections accounts for the accelerated weight return.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Testimonies
People who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you become starving," described an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural support.
