A recent study reveals that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying such treatments need to be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through dieting typically experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Doctors believe the mode of action of the drugs explains the accelerated weight return.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this medication means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have come off the jabs explain a powerful return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," said a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
