New research suggests that individuals who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying such drugs must be cognizant of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts believe the way of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often long-term.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
This challenge is worsened if users have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
