A recent study suggests that people who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who end traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using such medications need to be aware of the risk of rapid weight regain when the treatment concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to original mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors believe the way of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication report a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a switch activating and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural changes.
