New research indicates that patients who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing such medications should be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to starting mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting generally see a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the drugs explains the amplified rebound.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have come off the medication explain a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something activating and you become starving," said a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success relies on combined lifestyle changes.
