New research suggests that individuals who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using such medications must be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically see a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have come off the medication report a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something flipping and you become starving," described one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is more common among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
