New research suggests that patients who discontinue blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using such treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally see a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the way of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication describe a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," said a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
