New research reveals that individuals who stop using new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users buying such medications need to be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the drugs explains the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural changes.