A recent study indicates that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a major medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using such drugs should be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts believe the mode of action of the jabs explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs report a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced a switch activating and you're instantly ravenous," described an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
