New research suggests that patients who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing such drugs should be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to original weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the injections explains the amplified rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs report a intense return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you become starving," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
