A recent study suggests that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People using such medications need to be aware of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you become starving," described a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while these medications are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing behavioural management.
