New research indicates that patients who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals purchasing these medications need to be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have come off the medication report a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become starving," recalled a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing behavioural management.
