A recent study indicates that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using these medications must be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to starting weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the mode of action of the drugs explains the accelerated weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have come off the medication describe a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if something activating and you become extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is greater among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
