A recent study indicates that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these treatments should be aware of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a reversion to starting mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural management.
