A recent study indicates that individuals who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People buying such treatments should be informed of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the drugs explains the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the medication report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," described an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
