New research reveals that individuals who come off popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users purchasing such drugs should be cognizant of the potential of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to original weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the way of the drugs accounts for the heightened rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a switch activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described a patient.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
