New research suggests that people who stop using new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these drugs need to be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to original mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts suggest the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the amplified rebound.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and I was suddenly ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on combined lifestyle changes.
