Individuals Stopping Anti-Obesity Jabs Gain Back Weight Four Times Faster Than Those on Conventional Diets
A recent study reveals that individuals who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users purchasing these drugs need to be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with other pills.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the jabs explain a intense return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," said a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle management.
