A recent study suggests that people who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People buying these medications need to be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically experience a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication report a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you're instantly ravenous," said a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
