A recent study suggests that individuals who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals using such treatments need to be informed of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication report a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something flipping and I was suddenly starving," said one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
