Weight loss medications, often referred to as 'weight loss jabs' such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic (collectively known as GLP-1s), have gained widespread popularity for their ability to induce rapid weight loss. These weekly injections, initially developed for diabetes patients, mimic a gut hormone (GLP-1) that signals fullness to the brain and slows stomach emptying, leading to significant reductions in body weight, often up to a fifth within a year. However, experts are increasingly cautioning that these drugs may not be the 'quick fix' many believe them to be, as users frequently regain weight shortly after discontinuing treatment.

A study by researchers from Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, led by Professors Xiaoling Cai and Lingong Ji, highlighted that even powerful newer jabs like Mounjaro (trizeparide) result in substantial weight regain once treatment ceases and patients switch to a placebo. Participants in their study regained almost half the weight they had previously lost within eight weeks. While the exact reasons for this rapid weight regain are still being investigated, researchers speculate it could be linked to 'weight cycling' and adverse hormonal changes in the gut. Professor Cai explained that weight loss can induce hormonal shifts that increase hunger levels and the urge to eat, promoting weight regain. Other experts, such as Professor Susan Jebb, suggest that the lack of self-restraint required while on the drugs means users may not develop effective behavioral strategies for weight management once treatment stops.

Despite their efficacy, these revolutionary jabs are not without side effects. Common complaints include nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. More seriously, one in five users reportedly discontinue the drugs within a year due to intolerable side effects, which can range from vomiting and gallstones to pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas. In some cases, an overly high dose can lead to gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis, where stomach muscles weaken, and food digestion is impaired, potentially requiring surgery to insert a feeding tube.

The varying individual responses to GLP-1s, coupled with reports of incorrectly dosed or inactive pens sold online, highlight the challenge of finding the optimal dosage for each patient. Doses typically start at 0.25mg weekly and gradually increase to 2.4mg over about four months, but effects differ significantly. To address this, a novel New Zealand-developed device, the Gastric Alimetry pad, is being investigated. This stick-on pad, resembling a large Band-Aid, is placed on the stomach for a few hours to perform an electrogastrogram. It measures the stomach's electrical activity and contractions, similar to how an ECG tracks heart signals, providing medics with a clearer picture of stomach function and emptying rates. This technology aims to help doctors precisely determine the correct drug dose, ensuring the stomach empties slowly enough for effective weight loss without causing severe side effects like nausea or gastroparesis.

Trials, including one at University College London, are exploring the pad's utility for patients with chronic stomach symptoms. A study in Gastroenterology by University of Auckland scientists demonstrated its ability to detect gastric dysrhythmia in GLP-1 users, which causes symptoms like nausea and early fullness. Gastroenterologists like Dr. Rehan Haidry and Professor Anthony Hobson believe this device could help patients find their 'sweet spot' dose, reducing drop-out rates due to side effects. However, the private cost of £1,875 for the test means it may only be accessible to those with the highest medical needs.

Beyond dose monitoring, other strategies are being explored to mitigate side effects. Research has shown that eating certain foods like crackers, apples, or mint might alleviate nausea. Additionally, a study in Obesity Pillars found that acupressure wristbands, known for easing travel and morning sickness, significantly reduced nausea severity in GLP-1 users, with an 80% reduction observed in a group of 31 people. This is thought to work by calming the nervous system and regulating stomach muscle function through pressure on nerve pathways in the wrist.

The increasing reliance on these drugs has prompted the UK Government to plan an £85 million weight loss jab trial, and manufacturers like Eli Lily are increasing product prices. However, current regulations restrict treatment to patients with a BMI over 30 and at least one weight-related health problem, with medical prescriptions being mandatory. Healthcare watchdog NICE advises against using these injections for more than two years. Ultimately, experts like Tam Fry, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, emphasize that GLP-1 drugs are not a substitute for serious lifestyle improvements, underscoring that without such changes, weight regain is a predictable outcome.