Fresh analysis indicates that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People buying such medications should be informed of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting generally see a more gradual creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Experts believe the way of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment is often long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," said one woman.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle management.
