New research indicates that people who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a major medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing these drugs should be aware of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels 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 responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the medication report a intense return of appetite.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly starving," recalled an individual.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Survey data indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and long-term success relies on combined lifestyle support.
