A recent study reveals that individuals who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using these treatments must be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors believe the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and I was suddenly ravenous," described an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle support.
