A recent study indicates that patients who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal shows that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying these medications should be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting generally have a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a intense return of hunger.
"I experienced something flipping and you become extremely hungry," described one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Survey data indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
