A recent study indicates that people who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users using these drugs need to be aware of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the way of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a sudden return of hunger.
"It felt as if something activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," said a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural management.
