New research reveals that individuals who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal shows that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying these drugs need to be cognizant of the potential of rapid weight regain when the medication concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to starting mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally see a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Experts propose the way of the injections is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden return of cravings.
"I experienced something that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success likely depends on integrated lifestyle support.
