Fresh analysis indicates that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these treatments should be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a reversion to original mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting usually have a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this medication results in appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a intense return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and you become starving," said a patient.
This challenge is worsened if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle management.
