A recent study reveals that people who stop using new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing these medications must be aware of the potential of rapid weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a return to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
The team note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically experience a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the jabs accounts for the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle support.
