A recent study reveals that individuals who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying these medications should be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts propose the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
People who have come off the medication explain a sudden return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you become extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Survey data indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural management.
