Fresh analysis suggests that people who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using these medications should be aware of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts believe the way of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become ravenous," said one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural management.
