New research indicates that people who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People using such treatments must be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually see a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts believe the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs report a intense return of hunger.
"It was like something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
