A recent study suggests that patients who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing such drugs should be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually see a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you become starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
