A recent study suggests that patients who stop using new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users buying these drugs need to be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to original mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the amplified rebound.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Testimonies
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you become starving," described an individual.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural changes.
