A recent study reveals that patients who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users using such drugs need to be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the medication ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to original mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually see a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the way of the drugs accounts for the amplified regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs report a intense return of appetite.
"It was like something that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
