New research indicates that people who discontinue blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using these drugs must be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the medication describe a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural changes.
