New research reveals that patients who stop using new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using such medications need to be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the medication ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically see a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Experts propose the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if users have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while these medications are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success likely depends on integrated behavioural management.
