A recent study suggests that people who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People buying such medications must be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
