A recent study reveals that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using these medications need to be aware of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to original weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the way of the injections explains the heightened rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
People who have come off the medication explain a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It was like something that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on integrated lifestyle support.
