A recent study reveals that patients who stop using new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing these medications must be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the injections explains the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success likely depends on integrated lifestyle changes.
