A recent study reveals that people who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing these treatments need to be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts stress that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
