A recent study reveals that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major health publication points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using these treatments should be aware of the potential of rapid weight regain when the treatment concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to starting mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have come off the medication report a powerful return of cravings.
"It was like something flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Use is greater among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
