A recent study reveals that people who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using such drugs should be aware of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to starting mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become ravenous," described one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits hinges on combined lifestyle changes.
