New research suggests that individuals who discontinue blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these medications must be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to original weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the way of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs report a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you become starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
