New research indicates that people who stop using new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while obese individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users using such medications should be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a switch flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
