A recent study suggests that individuals who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals using such medications need to be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually see a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Experts propose the mode of action of the jabs explains the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the medication describe a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like a switch activating and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if users have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and long-term success likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
