🔗 Share this article Users Stopping Slimming Medications Put On Pounds Four Times Faster Than People Using Diet and Exercise Weight management involves long-term strategies. New research reveals that patients who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs. Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation. "People purchasing such medications need to be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the medication concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb. That rate of regain means a return to starting mass within about one and a half years. Weighing Treatments The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods. Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping. Explaining the Quick Regain Doctors propose the way of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain. GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger. "Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist. "Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable." An Ongoing Disease? Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes. Many experts say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term. This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure. Patient Testimonies People who have stopped the medication report a sudden return of hunger. "It felt as if a trigger flipping and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient. This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy. Significant Use Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high. Adoption is more common among females than males. The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates. A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services. Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
Weight management involves long-term strategies. New research reveals that patients who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs. Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation. "People purchasing such medications need to be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the medication concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb. That rate of regain means a return to starting mass within about one and a half years. Weighing Treatments The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods. Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping. Explaining the Quick Regain Doctors propose the way of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain. GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger. "Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist. "Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable." An Ongoing Disease? Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes. Many experts say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term. This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure. Patient Testimonies People who have stopped the medication report a sudden return of hunger. "It felt as if a trigger flipping and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient. This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy. Significant Use Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high. Adoption is more common among females than males. The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates. A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services. Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle changes.