A recent study reveals that patients who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using such medications should be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It was like something activating and I was suddenly starving," said a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers caution that while these medications are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing behavioural support.
