Quick Weight Loss, Fast Weight Gain: The Slimming Jab Dilemma

Slimming jabs like Mounjaro and Wegovy help people lose weight quickly. But, they come with a catch. Once people stop using them, they gain weight back fast. Really fast. About four times faster than those who diet and exercise. Research shows that people on these jabs lose a lot of weight. Around one-fifth of their body weight. But, when they stop, they gain about 0. 8 kg every month. That means they can return to their starting weight in just a year and a half. Experts warn that people need to know about this risk. They say more studies are needed to understand the long-term effects. The research looked at 37 studies with over 9, 000 patients. But, only eight of these studies were on the newer GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro. People who diet and exercise lose less weight. But, they gain it back more slowly. Around 0. 1 kg a month. The NHS recommends these jabs for people with obesity-related health risks. Not just for those who want to lose a bit of weight. Doctors also advise lifestyle changes. Like eating healthy and exercising. Many say the treatment should be life-long. Because of the risk of gaining weight back. People who have tried coming off the jabs describe it as tough. One woman said it felt like a switch turned on. She felt hungry all the time. Experts say the jabs work by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1. This hormone regulates hunger.Artificially high levels of GLP-1 might make the body produce less of its own. And make the body less sensitive to its effects. So, when people stop the jabs, they feel hungrier. And they are more likely to overeat. Around 1. 6 million UK adults have used these injections in the past year. Mostly through private prescriptions. An additional 3. 3 million people say they would like to try them. Use was twice as common among women compared to men. And more common among people in their 40s and 50s. Experts say the jabs could provide health benefits. By helping people lose weight fast. But, they stress that continued use is necessary. To maintain lower weight and overall health. GPs and specialist services can't automatically prescribe these drugs. Even if patients have already been prescribed them privately. The drugs can be offered to those in greatest clinical need. Who meet certain criteria, like having weight-related health problems. Currently, there is no time limit for Mounjaro prescriptions on the NHS. But, Wegovy can only be prescribed for a maximum of two years. Pharmaceutical companies stress the importance of healthy eating. Physical activity and medical follow-up. They say weight return reflects the biology of the condition. Not a lack of effort.