A recent study reveals that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing such medications should be cognizant of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Experts believe the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication describe a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like something flipping and you become extremely hungry," said a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated lifestyle changes.
