A recent study suggests that people who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing such medications need to be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Users who have discontinued the medication report a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you become ravenous," recalled a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated lifestyle changes.
