New research suggests that individuals who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight 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 after stopping.
"Users using such treatments must be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the heightened regain.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 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 diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you become ravenous," said one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
