Fresh analysis suggests that patients who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while obese individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these medications should be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to original mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually experience a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors believe the way of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the medication report a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," said a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle management.
