New research reveals that people who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users using these medications should be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to original mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically see a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Experts suggest the mode of action of the injections explains the accelerated regain.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the jabs explain a intense return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly ravenous," described a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success likely depends on integrated lifestyle support.
