A recent study reveals that individuals who come off popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such drugs should be aware of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to original weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs explains the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like something flipping and you become extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
