A recent study indicates that patients who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing such medications should be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement means appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the jabs report a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you become ravenous," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits relies on combined behavioural changes.
