A recent study suggests that individuals who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using these treatments must be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts suggest the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," described one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
