New research suggests that individuals who stop using new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People using such treatments need to be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally see a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the mode of action of the drugs explains the heightened regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a trigger activating and you become starving," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success likely depends on integrated lifestyle management.
