A recent study reveals that people who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying these drugs must be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually see a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this medication results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you become starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural management.
