Fresh analysis suggests that people who stop using new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a leading health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users using these medications must be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to starting weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically experience a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the injections accounts for the amplified weight return.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
