Fresh analysis indicates that individuals who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People buying such drugs need to be cognizant of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts suggest the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication explain a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced something activating and you're instantly ravenous," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing lifestyle management.
