New research reveals that individuals who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying such treatments must be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
These medications copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you become starving," recalled an individual.
The struggle is compounded if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle support.
