A recent study suggests that individuals who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal shows that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using such treatments should be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to starting mass in about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication describe a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," said an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
